Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
963. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new agreement between Dundalk IT and Queen’s University Belfast will have any impact on the fees charged to current or future students of Dundalk IT. [65989/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the recently announced strategic partnership between Dundalk IT (DkIT) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). This partnership is expected to cover key areas such as programme approval, quality assurance, and collaboration in research and innovation.
DkIT has a strong track record of delivering quality higher education provision in the North-East Region, and the proposed partnership will enhance the institute’s existing strengths while supporting the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development.
A central aspect of the proposal is that DkIT will remain an autonomous designated institution under the HEA Act 2022. Tuition fee decisions fall outside the scope of the partnership and remain under the control of DkIT. Students studying at DkIT will remain eligible for the fee subsidy schemes funded by my Department and the HEA, including the Free Fees Initiative, Springboard, and Apprenticeships.
