Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

27. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans to enable technological universities to borrow for the purpose of providing student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23177/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Housing for All contains a number of key actions relating to the development of additional student accommodation supply supported by the State. It also identifies the need to examine financing options and mechanisms for the Technological Sector to provide student accommodation.

In November 2022, a fund of €1m was approved by Government to assist the Technological University (TU) sector in developing a student accommodation programme based upon regional needs and feasibility assessments.

The TU Feasibility Study will progress in tandem with the Standardised Design Study for student accommodation to enable a viable design model for state supported student accommodation.

My Department and the HEA are working through a large scale programme of work with the TU sector to develop proposals for student accommodation. This work includes an assessment of a range of funding and delivery mechanisms for student accommodation with the sector. We are also in the process of progressing large teaching and learning capital developments with the sector through exchequer funding supports.

The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such funding and delivery mechanisms are key considerations in this context. Furthermore safeguards will be required to ensure that projects would not adversely impact the resources or financial position of TUs themselves or the wider public finances. Stated requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes also needs to be established.

My officials are continuing to work with relevant Government Departments and Agencies through this assessment process for the Technological University (TU) sector, as part of an assessment of a range of mechanisms for the delivery of student accommodation for the TU sector.

Any framework proposal will require approval by Government, my Department will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.

Following an extensive workshop and series of engagements with the HEA, the Technological Universities submitted outline project proposals for student accommodation. These proposals are currently being evaluated by the HEA, with an output report due by end of May 2024. Work on shortlisted proposals will progress in Q2 and Q3, 2024 with final options to be presented to my Department in Q1 2025.