Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
536. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to recommence borrowing at South East Technological University formerly Waterford Institute of Technology after having been instructed by the Higher Education Authority to cease borrowing in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Housing for All, My Department has agreed a borrowing framework for technological universities (TUs) will 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.
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.
