Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am determined to work with Deputy Ó Murchú on the PA issue and to make progress on it. I thank him for the constructive way in which we have engaged on that. In relation to any potential strategic decisions DkIT may or may not make in the future, I am not going to give a view on it today because I think it would be unfair and disrespectful to their autonomy and to the process in what are only preliminary discussions. My view is that the north east needs a university. There are different ways of getting there; and it is ultimately for DkIT to decide its best future. It is then my job, as part of the Government, to step in with any financial assistance and policy decisions, including legislation if required, that may be needed. I am ready to do that. It is my view and my request that we give a brief period of time to the president of DkIT and others to have conversations and to get it to a point where he and others may then believe they are in a position to have substantive discussions or not, and let us take it forward from there. It is an encouraging moment.

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