Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
535. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the plans to give effect to the borrowing framework contained in the Technological University Act, 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/22]
View answerIn line with Housing for All, my Department concurs that a borrowing framework for technological universities (TUs) should be developed in the first instance for the provision of student accommodation. Enabling appropriate access to finance is one of the significant requirements for the delivery by higher education institutions of purpose built student accommodation. Department officials are engaging with counterparts in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant stakeholders to explore potential options and approaches on the delivery of student accommodation. Under these proposals, TUs would require firstly my consent following consultation with the HEA. This will necessitate the establishment of an appropriate framework setting out the criteria, financial and non-financial, including governance, oversight and reporting to define the operational process through which such consent would be sought and obtained.
