Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

146. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any contact with Carlow College St. Patrick's with regard to bringing about the full 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. [51571/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Both I and my officials have been engaged with Carlow College St Patrick's over the course of the last year and more. As the Deputy is aware the College is seeking to be integrated into the publicly funded higher education system in the South East, and would like to be incorporated into the new South East Technological University (SETU).

SETU is an institution established under the TU Act 2018, and it is entirely a matter for the governing body of SETU as to whether it would wish to incorporate the College or part thereof into the new TU. I can not direct SETU on these matters.

Given the financial challenges faced by the College, my Department is also working closely with it on potential supports in the immediate term. I understand that officials are awaiting material from the College in this regard.

Ultimately, the decision to proceed, and the terms of any potential future integration of CCSP into the public higher education system via SETU will be a matter for the governing bodies of the two institutions.