Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The whole basis of asking for the RIV designation is that it is a kind of matchmaking process. In many ways, we are going back to the future and the European programmes of 20 years ago, when regions with complementary strengths and challenges were matched together across Europe. Some of the challenges the Deputy mentioned regarding transition and just transition are being experienced across Europe. We had the chance to do that through the RIV network. Digital transformation is obviously a major focus for our Department. Again, through the RIV, we will be able to find other regions that are in this space, align them with what is going on in the midlands and the north east, and ensure that everybody gets a win out of this.

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