I propose to take Questions Nos. 1275, 1276, 1277 and 1327 together.
As the Deputy is aware the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Working Group was established in March 2017. The key objective of this group was to develop a plan to develop a sustainable future for the Mayo Campus arising from concerns about the financial viability of the campus. The Governing Authority of GMIT in consultation with the HEA have responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the report to promote the future sustainability of the Mayo Campus as an integral part of GMIT in the North West Region. The report of the Working Group advised that a Mid Term Review of the recommendations of the GMIT Working Group Report be undertaken. The Terms of Reference for the mid-term review were approved by the HEA and Mazars were appointed as the independent assessor for the review.
My Department and the HEA are continuing to work closely with GMIT to ensure that all of the recommendations of the report are progressed. The working group report acknowledged the complexities and the necessary implementation time required for a number of the recommendations.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department and the HEA will continue to work with GMIT on ensuring that the recommendations of the Working Group are implemented as soon as possible, and with appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders, to ensure the future sustainability of the Mayo campus.
The report of the independent assessor in relation to the mid-term review is scheduled to be presented to the HEA’s Finance and Governance Committee on 18th May 2021. I will advise the Deputy of the updated position from the HEA pending assessment of the report.