Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on the integration of Carlow College, St. Patrick's, into the higher education system in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58621/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I expressed a view to Carlow College principals in August that in order to best position itself for engagement with any future technological university (TU) emerging in the region, the College should consider undertaking a further analysis of its educational provision, resources and student population that could form the basis for an engagement with the TU leadership post-establishment. I understand that in the interim the College has embarked on such a course of action, with Department officials having offered advice upon request on the draft Terms of Reference for the exercise.

This approach is being undertaken on the understanding that it does not presume any particular outcome with respect to any role, responsibility or obligation of a future Technological University. It would be a matter for any future TU to determine its own potential role, if any, in respect of a final strategic outcome for Carlow College, St. Patrick's.

On 15 November I was pleased to visit Carlow College and to meet many of its dedicated staff and students. The past 18 months have been very challenging for everyone so it was heartening to hear how the College has adapted to the challenges that Covid-19 has brought and through hard-work and a willingness to be agile in its teaching methods has continued to deliver its higher education provision to students.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the work undertaken by SOLAS in the establishment of the further education and training capital and property working group; and the way this forum will support the delivery of capital projects in education and training boards. [58655/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The new National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a step up in capital funding for the further education and training (FET) sector which will enable a transition to a more ambitious and strategic approach to the development of FET infrastructure.

Significant planning work and capacity development is now required to underpin this major programme of FET investment. My Department is working with SOLAS and the ETB sector to build up the governance, strategic framework and delivery capability required.

As part of its remit, the working group referred to by the Deputy is contributing to the development of processes around applications for funding of FET capital projects in line with the rules and procedures set out in the Public Spending Code and Capital Works Management Framework.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the site location and timeline for a new capital build for Cavan Institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58623/21]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the advancement of a new campus for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Drumalee, County Cavan; if a report has been submitted to his Department regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58624/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 88 together.

Cavan ETB has identified the development of the site of the former Army Barracks in Cavan as an opportunity to centralise further education and training provision and eliminate the need for various rented accommodation arrangements around Cavan town.

To address immediate needs, plans were advanced by the ETB for interim temporary accommodation for Cavan Institute on the Barracks site. My Department approved funding in late summer for works associated with the delivery of an interim accommodation solution, which is currently with the ETB to progress.

As the Deputy is aware, the new National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a step up in capital funding for the further education and training (FET) sector. Significant planning work required to underpin this major programme of FET investment is being advanced by my Department, in conjunction with SOLAS.

A framework for applications for major FET capital projects, in line with the provisions of the Public Spending Code and the Future FET Strategy, will be confirmed shortly. Once that framework is in place, SOLAS will engage with CMETB on the information required to bring this project to the next stage. The formal process required under the Public Spending Code will allow options to be considered in relation to the potential campus location and other relevant project parameters.