Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

PPPs have their place in the economy as well as direct Exchequer funding for capital works. In a previous role we would have discussed this topic at length. PPPs have their place and are important. The structure of them, how they are laid out, the impact they have in terms of cost for the service user, in this case the student for accommodation, and site acquisition are something that ultimately the learner will be the principal beneficiary of.

Direct Exchequer funding is also a route and outside of the TUs, the European Investment Bank has been a very strong collaborator in the delivery of not only student accommodation but also significant capital investment in the university sector for what I call the "older" universities. I met them recently with the Minister for Fnance, Deputy Michael McGrath.

It is not a binary question; there are a number of different facets. The question the Deputy initially asked was if there is consideration being given to a borrowing framework and the answer is "absolutely". There is further work to de done on this with the Department of Finance, the HEA and with our own Department and is certainly something we are keeping going.

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