Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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28. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the protocols in place which would allow third-level institutions to canvass for and secure funding from private companies for the development of their facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36761/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies established under statute and accordingly the sourcing of private funding and any protocols to govern the receipt of philanthropy is a matter to be managed appropriately at institutional level.

As the Deputy will be aware, HEIs are required to comply with all relevant Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) guidelines including as appropriate, the Public Spending Code. In addition the respective Codes of Governance for HEIs require that governing authorities should ensure that robust and effective systems and procedures are in place to oversee the use of resources.

From my Department's perspective, the key issues in relation to philanthropy is the desirability for transparency and accountability in respect of such activities but also conscious that this is managed in a manner aimed not to impact on the capacity of the HEI or its foundation to raise income to support the achievement of the strategic objectives of the institution in an appropriate manner.

It should also be noted that the DPER Public Spending Code applies to all public bodies and all bodies in receipt of Exchequer capital funding and is not just applicable to public funds. It is expected that HEIs would adhere to the principles of the Public Spending Code regardless of funding source from a best practice perspective. In addition, within the Code, and in subsequent guidance which has beendeveloped, there is requirement, in certain circumstances, for compliance with the Code in relation to HEI-funded projects.