Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will have my help. He asked me what the problem is. The problem is that the institute has not applied. The truth of the matter is that it did not apply when all of the other institutes did, for whatever reason. That was the institute's choice. I am really pleased that people right across the institution, including staff, students, the governing authority and management, now want to be part of this agenda. I welcome that. I also welcome the Deputy's personal commitment and the cross-party commitment that I believe exists in Louth on this matter. We had a very good meeting of Oireachtas Members and I would be delighted to have another. I would be delighted to come to Dundalk to meet staff, students and representatives of Dundalk Institute of Technology. I emphasise that but I am involved. We have provided funding and an expert adviser but everyone needs to be involved to make this happen. No one will be happier than me - with the possible exception of the Deputy but I will be right there with him - if and when an application comes in from Dundalk Institute of Technology. However, there is a body of work to be done. We have provided the funding and the expert adviser. I will provide the political leadership, along with other Oireachtas Members. We will work closely with the institution. The north east will not be left behind. I acknowledge the great and positive role the institute plays in the region.

See this speech in context