Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of points to make. I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for all her work. Only last month my Department gave approval to SETU to purchase a site, which will provide an access route to SETU's currently owned site of 4.7 acres. That is quite an important position. Any integration of Carlow College into an autonomous higher education institution remains in the first instance a matter for the respective governing authorities. In this context, my Department understands that the college has been engaging with SETU on potential incorporation. I note that the strategic plan for SETU, Connecting for Impact, was launched in May. This plan references an action in relation to Carlow College. It refers to an action seeking non-core funding to enable SETU to conduct academic, financial and legal analysis in relation to future partnership models with Carlow College. We now have a technological sector advancement fund, which I think is open for universities to apply for until 19 October. I imagine that SETU may wish to seek funding under that fund so that it can advance the action in its plan relating to Carlow College.

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