Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
962. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department’s position on the recent announcement of Dundalk Institute of Technology’s agreement with Queen’s University Belfast. [65988/25]
View answerI was delighted last week to announce the development of a strategic partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Queen’s University Belfast.
The proposed partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University Belfast as a landmark initiative with the potential to strengthen and advance higher education across the island. This proposal builds on the strong tradition of North–South collaboration fostered through the Shared Island initiative. As the first all-island initiative of its kind, the proposed partnership reflects the pivotal role higher education has in driving collaboration in research, innovation, teaching and learning, delivering benefits for students, educators and wider society.
My Department is working intensively with DKIT, the HEA, and colleagues across Government and the Northern Ireland system in support of this initiative. As the partnership progresses, protecting students, apprentices, staff and the academic mission in Dundalk is a priority and there will be close engagement with representative groups at every stage.
