Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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435. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects the election of the University of Limerick Governing Authority to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60420/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The terms of office of the members of the current Governing Authority of the University of Limerick expired on 30 November 2022.

The transitional arrangements included within the new Higher Education Act 2022 allows for the extension of the term of office of the members of a Governing Authority for a period (being not longer than one year from the commencement date of 10 November 2022).

To ensure continuity and consistency on the Governing Authority particularly in the context of the commencement of the HEA Act 2022 and the requirement for the reconstitution of the University of Limerick’s Governing Authority under the new Act, I granted approval to the extension of the current Governing Body's term of office for a period of 6 months up to 31st May 2023.

My Department will now engage further with the University in relation to the regulations required under the legislation relating to the selection, election, nomination or appointment of members of the governing authority, to achieve the required reduction to a 19-member Governing Body.

As provided for within the new legislation the reduced member Governing Body must be in place by 9 November 2023.

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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436. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects the election of the NUI Senate to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60421/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the process to appoint a new Senate of the National University of Ireland (NUI) is near completion with the majority of positions filled and the remaining to be in place for the January 2023 meeting.

There is also a separate process underway in my Department to fill one of the four Senate positions appointed by the Government. The vacancy arose due to the resignation of the previous member, and it is expected that the process will be completed shortly.