Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

739. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he can provide an update with regard to the Technological University Development Fund, the proposed successor to the Technological University Transformation (TUT) Fund; if he will advise, if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT Fund on 31 August 2023, specifically in relation to the position of IR facilitators who are employed on a seconded basis under this fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29234/23]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 737 and 739 together.

The Technological Universities Transformation Fund (TUTF) is a 3-year fund totalling €90 million, for the period 2020 – 2023. It will officially end on 31 August 2023, with all €90 million allocated to the seven technological higher education institutions (ATU, DkIT, IADT, MTU, SETU, TU Dublin and TUS). The fund assists and supports the development, establishment, and progression of technological universities. This multi-annual managed fund was distributed based on a consultative iterative process involving engagement with relevant HEIs to assess their individual requirements and their stage in the TU trajectory. The key objectives of the TUTF are to ensure that TUs will be enabled in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency, with a focus on quality and excellence and capacity building.

The HEA is engaging with institutions on progress with this funding ahead of the August 31st end date for the TUTF, which includes a process to facilitate a 12-month no-cost extension for institutions that require additional time to compete elements of their TUTF projects.

My Department is working with the Higher Education Authority in assessing the requirement for further support for the sector in the context of the current position regarding the progression and finalisation of projects being funded by the Transformation Fund, the recent OECD report, and the ongoing operational and developmental needs of the sector in line with the 2018 Act and national strategy for higher education and research. Any future TU funding will also complement the significant additional funding secured by Government for the progression of various elements of the TU agenda under the NRRP to 2024 and under the ERDF to 2027.