Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be careful in answering that question because of the sensitivities involved. Staff engagement and buy-in to these processes are vital. The Deputy is factually correct that, in the south east, the TUI ballot did not pass in Waterford but did pass in Carlow and the application was still submitted by the consortium. That would, ultimately, be a decision for the governing authorities as it relates to any technological university. That is an open question. We will certainly proceed on a cross-party basis. It has been key to the success and delivery of these projects and I worked extremely closely with people throughout the country on a cross-party basis and I thank the Deputy for taking that approach in the north west.

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