Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
478. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is satisfied that the number of students enrolled on collaborative provision programmes within the Institute of Technology Carlow meet the eligibility criteria under section 28 of the Technological Universities Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41904/20]
View answerUnder the statutory framework provided in the Technological Universities Act 2018, two or more applicant institutes may jointly seek technological university (TU) designation through a prescribed legislative process subject to their jointly meeting specified eligibility criteria.
Section 29 of the 2018 Act provides that two or more applicant institutes may jointly apply to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an order under section 36 seeking designation as a TU.
Section 28 of the Act prescribes the eligibility criteria with which the applicant institutes must jointly comply.
Section 30 provides that the applicant institutes shall, inter alia, include information demonstrating compliance with the eligibility criteria.
I have to date received no application from the Institute of Technology Carlow jointly with another applicant institute seeking TU designation in compliance with the required eligibility criteria under the 2018 Act. However, as the Deputy will be aware, an application is expected early in quarter 2 of next year. On receipt of an application, the prescribed legislative process under the TU Act (2018) will be commenced.
