Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am certainly not being coy about the timeline for the application and what the Deputy has said tallies with what I know but I want to be respectful of the process. As soon as we receive the application, we will move quickly.

I have had some excellent meetings with representatives of St. Angela's, including the president, and with the president of Sligo IT and others. I welcome the close work that is going on between the two institutions. Quite frankly, I think St. Angela's has been left hanging for far too long. It is important to me that St. Angela's is incorporated. It is clear to me that there are synergies between Sligo IT and St. Angela's. The specific timeline for when that happens is a matter for the institutions and, ultimately, the technological university. I have provided a lot of assistance and engagement with officials. I would like to see it happen. Whether it can happen before the technological university is designated is a matter for those on the ground. I have no difficulty if it does and, in fact, would very much welcome it if it can happen. As I have said previously, nothing is going to stop or delay the advancement of the technological university and I know that is a view also shared by St. Angela's. I am happy for them to get on with it, quite frankly, and I know they are working extremely hard on that matter.

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