Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
114. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the distribution of the devolved capital grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26610/23]
View answerSince 2021, the Department has disbursed just over €96m in funding for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years under the Devolved Capital Grant to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and eligible higher education institutions. The Devolved Capital Grant is allocated to individual institutions in accordance with a model based primarily on student numbers, weighted by course type and mode of study.
In April this year I announced €8 million in capital devolved funding for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector and I will be shortly announcing the funding available for the Higher Education Institutions.
The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to ETBs and eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment, energy upgrades etc.) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is a matter for individual ETBs and higher education institutions to determine what works are prioritised.
In deployment of the grant, each ETB and higher education institution must ensure value for money, clear prioritisation and demonstrable impact on the capacity to deliver on its strategic goals.
Our third level sector faces significant challenges in responding to climate objectives and these funds will assist with making energy upgrades. It will also ensure our campuses are inclusive and accessible. The funding can be used to make the necessary upgrades to make campuses accessible for people with disabilities.
