Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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615. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of a borrowing framework for the technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23348/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is considering how a borrowing framework for technological universities (TUs) might be developed in the first instance for the provision of student accommodation. The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such borrowing are key considerations in this context. In addition to accessing borrowing on commercially viable and appropriate terms such as  would not adversely impact the financial position of TUs themselves or the wider public finances, requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes would also need to be established.

The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, provides a legislative basis for borrowing from that Agency by specified institutes of higher education, including TUs, where such borrowing is in respect of the provision of housing accommodation for students. This provision is being further strengthened in the HEA Bill 2022 that is currently advancing through the legislative process in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Department officials are engaging with counterparts in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant stakeholders to explore potential options and approaches on the delivery of student accommodation.