Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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459. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the suggestion that Dundalk Institute of Technology can achieve university designation as a standalone institute outside the framework of the Technological Universities Act 2018 given that the institute is not partnered with another institute of technology or technological university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57033/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are no plans by Government to seek to establish any additional universities under section 9 of the Universities Act 1997.

Rather, it is stated Government policy to establish and develop technological universities, which agenda has been successfully pursued since 2019 with three TUs established, and a further two expected to be established next year.

Chapter 11 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 provides for the joining of an established technological university by an institute of technology.

Dundalk Institute of Technology is currently striving to achieve TU status with the expert advice and guidance of the Higher Education Authority and ongoing material support from the Exchequer under the Transformation Fund.