Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1294. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a detailed update in relation to any communications or engagements he or his Department officials have had in relation to the use of Mount Melleray as an educational campus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29622/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. I would like to preface my answer by saying that we warmly welcome the interest of education institutions from outside this jurisdiction to explore what Ireland may have to offer as a location. Our Higher Education Institutions are highly regarded, so I am sure there is much appeal in doing so. It should be noted that these colleges operate privately and independently and are not eligible for state supports within Ireland and are not under the direct remit of my Department.
In the case of this institution, my Department has not received any communications to date regarding their potential establishment in Ireland.
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that under Irish law, the use of the title “university” is protected under the Universities Act 1997. What that law prescribes is that the term “university”, when used to describe an educational establishment or facility, may only be used with the approval of the Minister. I can assure the Deputy that in the case of this institution, I have not been contacted with any request to do so.
This provision is intended to ensure that the public can clearly distinguish between State-regulated universities and other providers that are not subject to the same regulatory framework. Any requests under this provision are subject to intense scrutiny by my Department in advance of a formal decision. My Department continues to review such requests as they arise.
