Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)

Dundalk Institute of Technology is better known as DKIT. There are number of institutes of technology throughout the country and they celebrated 40 years of existence last Monday. I attended the celebrations. Distinguished fellowships were awarded to four people as a mark of the celebrations. They included people who have contributed to business, sport, the arts and media, not just in Louth but throughout the world.

Our colleague, Senator Fergal Quinn, was awarded a distinguished fellowship, as was Dr. Carmel Naughton for her contribution to the arts, Mr. Joey Maher, a famous handballer and world champion, and a brother of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, Mr. Niall O'Dowd, who received an award for his international media skills and contribution to the peace process. I congratulate them.

Although we are not supposed to do so, I am sure the Cathaoirleach will allow me to congratulate our colleague, Senator Feargal Quinn, and the other recipients of awards.