Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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847. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an overall assessment of the likelihood of a borrowing framework for the technological sector to be in place before March 2025. [42795/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, funding was approved to assist the Technological University (TU) sector in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment.

The objective of the TU 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.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently overseeing the development of preliminary business cases with the sector. Initial submissions from the higher education institutions were assessed by the HEA earlier this year. Options include purpose built student accommodation both on and off campus, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties. The HEA continues to work with the sector and final preliminary business cases are due to the Department in Q2, 2025.

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

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

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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848. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his Department's planned allocations to capital developments at South East Technological University over the next 12 months and beyond. [42796/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The higher education capital budget is managed at an overall level, in conjunction with the HEA, with the allocation to a higher education institution (including SETU) in any one year determined by, among other factors, the pace of progress of its projects through design, planning, procurement and delivery and subject to NDP provision.

My Department has disbursed over €21.5m in capital funding to South-East Technological University (SETU) under a number of capital programmes since May 2022. A significant capital investment is planned for SETU over the coming years through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 2 Programme, with SETU accounting for two of the five planned projects. One of these projects will be located in the SETU Waterford Campus, and the other at SETU Carlow.

A proposed new engineering, computing and general teaching building at the SETU Waterford Campus is the largest project in the Higher Education PPP Programme. This project has an expected construction period of 36 months.

A PPP project comprising a new 6,083m2 Science and Health Building planned for the SETU Carlow Campus will consist of science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space and has an expected construction period of 27 months.

Significant future investment has also been planned for SETU in healthcare and veterinary provision. Through an Expression of Interest process conducted by the HEA, programmes have been initiated which will enhance capacity and advance healthcare and veterinary education across the country. I recently announced the inclusion of a Veterinary School and a Masters in Pharmacy programme for SETU in conjunction with the wider approval of these programmes, which is a hugely positive development for healthcare and veterinary provision in the southeast region.

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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849. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details on the process that decides approval for the provision of new or additional pharmacy faculties and course development; and if new courses will be approved in the technological sector before March 2025. [42797/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Higher Education Authority ran a process to identify options to expand higher education provision in a number of priority skills areas, including pharmacy. Proposals were put forward by a range of higher education institutions under this process.

On 18th October 2024, following recommendations received from the HEA, I announced a series of programmes for advancement in Pharmacy, as well as Medicine and Dentistry. I was very pleased to announce the introduction of new Pharmacy programmes in the Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, and University of Galway, which will double the number of pharmacy training programmes in Ireland. At full roll-out this will provide more than 150 additional pharmacy graduates per year.

This announcement I believe demonstrates the shared ambition and commitment of the government and the higher education sector to improving healthcare for those in our communities, and providing students with more opportunities to study in Ireland for those who are passionate to work in healthcare professions.

The first intake on these new programmes is planned for September 2025. The HEA has informed my Department that the relevant Higher Education Institutes have commenced the process of developing the curriculum for these programmes and a period of necessary engagement with relevant professional and regulatory bodies is now underway.

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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850. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether new lecturing and research contracts for faculty working in the technological university sector will be in place before March 2025. [42798/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may be aware of the report published in 2022 by the OECD following review of technological university academic career paths, contracts and organisation in Ireland. The review concluded that the development of a career model framework and attendant employment contract is an urgent reform necessary for the successful transformation of the TU sector. The report includes reference to staff on existing research contracts.

Since the publication of that report my department has been working to support the implementation of it's recommendations including extensive engagement with the sector in establishing senior management teams within each Universities to replace interim management teams put in place for the establishment phase, that work is ongoing.

My Department is working with the TUs on the development of draft inputs towards a national framework which specifies the responsibilities and performance for professorship roles in TUs. This work is drawing on the recommendations and principles of the 2022 OECD report. A consultation phase involving wider stakeholders is currently in planning by my Department.

I remain committed to introducing the recommendations of the OECD report, including professorship grades and a revised academic contract in Technological Universities, however it is important that this is done in a considered way, working through the complex range of interconnected issues.