Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1707. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of communications he has had or if he has met in person with a University President (details supplied) to address the financial deficit in the university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15301/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 December 2023, the university referred to by the deputy informed the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of an operating deficit in relation to its 2022/23 financial year. The HEA has since had a number of engagements with the said President of the university in relation to the matter, with the most recent meeting held on 28 March 2024.
The Deputy will be aware that oversight powers are vested in the HEA in accordance with provisions in the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022. There is agreement between the HEA and the university on the process to be undertaken to identify the cause of the issue and on ensuring a sustainable financial position. On 21 February 2024, a deficit reduction plan was submitted to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) by the university and is currently under review.
My officials are in regular contact with the HEA on this matter. While the recovery process is at an early stage, based on the engagement to date, the HEA informs my officials that good progress is being made towards the university’s financial sustainability.
As Minister I have no role in the statutory process. The previous Minister met with the President of UCC on 30 January, on the margins of a wider meeting with university presidents, and briefed the Minister on the issues as they stood at that point.
It is important that time and space is afforded to allow the university and the HEA to comprehensively review the issue and to put in place appropriate arrangements to address this matter.
