Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
881. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the legislative basis by which technological universities, including SETU, may borrow to fund capital expenditure; if the relevant provisions have been commenced; and if not, the timeline for giving effect to them. [35967/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor institutions other than traditional universities to borrow, a consultation process with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is required. This would 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. Having passed those primary screening tests, the prospective borrowing entity would then be required to pass the relevant tests, procedures and requirements of the relevant financing agency before accessing borrowing funds.
The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such borrowing are key considerations in this context. In addition to accessing borrowing on commercially viable and appropriate terms such as would not adversely impact the financial position of the Technological Universities (TUs) themselves or the wider public finances, requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes would also need to be established.
Notwithstanding the absence of a borrowing framework, my Department has disbursed just over €223m in capital funding to the Technological University Sector since 2020 under a number of capital programmes including the Higher Education Strategic and Infrastructural Fund (HESIF), the Infrastructure and Refurbishment Fund (IURF), the Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathway Programme (EEDPP), the Devolved Capital Grant etc.
In addition, significant capital investment is ongoing in relation to operational Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects delivered for Technological University Dublin at Grangegorman, the National Maritime College of Ireland, and Cork School of Music at Munster Technological University.
Under Bundle 1 of the Higher Education PPP programme, TU Dublin Blanchardstown Teaching Building, TU Dublin Tallaght Culinary Arts, Engineering and Science building, TUS Athlone STEM Facility and MTU Cork Learning Resource Centre and MTU Kerry STEM Facility have commenced service in recent months and days. Under Bundle 2 of the Higher Education PPP Programme, contracts have been signed for the commencement of the construction of five new buildings across multiple TU campuses.
As projects are evaluated through the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme funding requirements for the sector will become clearer. The need for a borrowing framework will be informed by this and by the outcome of the National Development Plan (NDP) negotiations which are currently ongoing.
