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

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The RIV is a very welcome project and very worthwhile pan-European initiative, as it seeks to strengthen and advance a European-wide innovation ecosystem and connect all EU territories to address Europe's burning societal challenges and foster stronger cohesion. The midlands and north east were particularly fortunate to be included. As the Minister of State and the Minister rightly said, there is a nucleus of very strong businesses and a strong culture of innovation and enterprise in the region. It is a perfect fit for this initiative. The region as a whole is very excited about what this can deliver for us. The Minister of State indicated the funding that is in place. Will he elaborate on when that funding will start to reach the regions?

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