Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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739. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the technological universities will be able to borrow money on the financial markets in the same way as the traditional universities, given that their current inability is both unfair and unsustainable and puts them at a clear disadvantage; if he intends that this borrowing capacity will be used for a wide range of purposes including student housing, infrastructure and research and development expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22492/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In November 2022 the Government confirmed approval for a new policy led by my Department, to provide state assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.

My Department is working with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for the Technological University (TU) sector. The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. It is anticipated that any borrowing framework would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.

Investment of €1m in 2023/2024 has also been announced to support the TU’s in conducting activation feasibility assessment to ascertain student accommodation needs in campus locations. This will include data led projections of demand and engagement with local authorities to examine potential vacant stock. Officials met with the TU sector in February to progress the objectives of the feasibility study and establish the data and engagement needs from the TU's in this process. The terms of reference for TU feasibility study are being finalised between DFHERIS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).