Technological Universities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025

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Thursday, 27 March 2025

Questions (420, 421)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

420. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the continuing fallout of a cyber attack to SETU IT operations; the steps and schedule in place to restore student and staff access to the IT network, which is hampering provision of classes and course delivery; if the minister will outline his awareness of the issue and the schedule to its full remediation following four months where students and lecturers are unable to access the IT network and associated services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14893/25]

Mattie McGrath

Question:

421. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of his awareness of the continuing lack of IT access to SETU Waterford campus and the continuing negative effect this is having on course provision and review. [14894/25]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.

South East Technological University (SETU) continues its recovery from the cyber incident which occurred last October. The majority of classrooms and laboratories are now fully restored, although there are challenges in some locations due to legacy infrastructure from it's IoT phase. SETU continues its efforts to support university activities across teaching, research and academic administration during this period of recovery. With support from my Department and the HEA, the Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF), SETU has been able to put in place a dedicated cybersecurity unit.

Both my Department and the Higher Education Authority continue to observe the situation at SETU and will provide any and all assistance as required. The deputy should note however, that technological universities are autonomous institutions and consequently, the management of their day to day functions, including internal IT management and policies, are matters for the individual institution in the context of their governance structures and policies.

Question No. 421 answered with Question No. 420.

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