Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This should not be the case. I will look into this issue and revert to the Deputy with the figures. We have topped up, for want of a better phrase, the student assistance fund in recent weeks with the €8 million announced. I will respond directly to her regarding this matter.

Turning to Deputy Stanton's contribution, I am eager that the technological universities collaborate internationally, and the area of blockchain technology is an interesting one. I will get a note for the Deputy regarding where these collaborations are now happening.

It is hard to believe that event in Drogheda referred to by Deputy Ó Murchú happened only yesterday. It was a good announcement in the north east. I know how important technological university status is. The Deputy does not need me to give him the rehearsed lines in this regard. The application needs to come from the university. As we discussed yesterday, however, I will be happy to facilitate a meeting of all Oireachtas Members from Louth and the wider region, together with representatives of the university management and governing authority.

I also intend to honour my commitment to meet with people around PA working conditions and these types of issues that the Deputy and I discussed during one of my many recent visits to the Louth.

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