Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Leader. I rise today to congratulate TUS, the Technological University of the Shannon, on its receipt of a QS 5 Star rating. It is the highest possible number of stars a university can receive. It will be among the top-rated universities of the world. It received five stars in all categories assessed. It is the first university in Ireland to receive five stars for arts and culture. I compliment Mike Fitzpatrick and his team. I also congratulate Vincent Cunnane and the team that leads TUS. It makes it a very influential and credible university. Some 100 jobs were announced by the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on Friday in Limerick for Carelon Global Solutions. I congratulate John Patrick Shaw and his team on that. I recall when the company started off with 60 employees. By the end of the year, it will have 320. It is down to the high standard of education between TUS, the University of Limerick and Mary Immaculate College. Having three third-level, high-quality leaders in their fields in Limerick and the region is helping innovation and job creation.

I join the tributes to the late Michael O'Regan and extend my sympathies to his wife and family. When I first came to the House, Michael also stopped up to say hello. He was a very nice man. He took a great interest in where everybody came from and their story in how they came to be here. He died far too young. My thoughts are with his wife and family. I am thinking of them all at this sad time.