Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
39. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of funding that has been provided to UCC and the Munster Technological University to enable the safe reopening of on-campus education along with other college activities in autumn 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49717/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July I announced Government approval for €105 million for the third level sector to safely reopen in September 2021 in line with public health advice.
The package will include financial support for further and higher education to return on-site safely in line with public health advice and additional supports for students in further and higher education.
At this time it is not possible to provide information in relation to allocations that will be paid to individual institutions or bodies and the process to allocate funds is ongoing.
My Department has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to agree the terms and conditions of the pre-funding arrangements that will apply to the specific initiatives identified in the funding package. In this regard Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanction was provided on the 28th of September and my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS are working with stakeholders to finalise the funding allocation process including appropriate monitoring and control arrangements.
