Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the integration of Carlow College into St. Patrick's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15709/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Integration of Carlow College, St. Patrick's into an autonomous higher education institution is in the first instance a matter for the respective governing authorities of Carlow College and any potential partner higher education institution.

In this context, the College is continuing to engage with the South East Technological University (SETU) on potential incorporation.

My Department approved a business case for an increase in the level of funding paid to Carlow College, St. Patrick's under the Free Fees Initiative for the 2022/23 academic year and subsequent years. This increase in funding will make a contribution towards stabilising the cash flow position while the College considers its strategic options and engages with SETU. However, it remains necessary for the College to address its overall sustainability.

The Higher Education Authority is open to assisting SETU in resourcing terms to facilitate more detailed analysis of the potential financial, academic and strategic fit of a proposed incorporation should the SETU governing body wish to do so.

My Department understands that a decision on proceeding with this analysis would likely come after the SETU governing body have duly considered and formally approved the TU's inaugural strategic plan, which will go before the governing body in the coming months.