Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The RIVs are particularly beneficial for those regions, which probably have not evolved as fast, that can learn from the successes and good fortune of the more innovative regions. The concept of the RIV was never more welcome, especially as we face into an era of artificial intelligence and seek to look to a future that will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, increasing global food security and mastering the digital transformation, including cybersecurity. In that respect, the north east and the midlands have a major opportunity to share in this journey. I concur with the Minister of State that the midlands regional authority has played in a key role in this. It has been a very important stakeholder and has really driven this. Its members and management team need to be commended on bringing this project to the region.

See this speech in context