Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1966.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the action taken to ensure the HEA’s implementation of a borrowing framework for technological universities (TU); when he last engaged with relevant parties and stakeholders, e.g. the HEA, TUs, TU students unions, etc., to discuss this ongoing issue; the progress made to date by the HEA towards the development and implementation of a borrowing framework for TUs; his future plans to engage with relevant stakeholders to progress the implementation of a borrowing framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34146/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In November 2022, funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).

The objective of the feasibility study is to establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply; project future supply and demand for accommodation; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation.

Phase one of this study, a supply and demand analysis, is now complete and involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising of a data collection framework, one-to-one meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation.

In parallel with the data collection, the HEA progressed the development of a standardised Preliminary Business Case (PBC) process and templates. The intention of this work is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals.

Phase two of this study, to design and assess and shortlist a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector is underway. Initial submissions from the HEIs to increase student accommodation are currently being assessed by the HEA with final business cases due to the Department in Q4, 2024.

Timelines are contingent on all parties involved being in a position to resource and deliver work packages in an efficient and expedient manner.

The TU Feasibility Study is being progressed in tandem with the Standardised Design Study for student accommodation to ensure a value for money response. The outcomes of these studies will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options, including consideration of a TU borrowing framework, which will require approval by Government.

The Department will continue to work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.