Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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2520. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the progress and future plans to give effect to a general borrowing framework, beyond student residential accommodation, for technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19513/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments to enable Technological Universities to borrow funds, primarily for student accommodation purposes. It is my intention to progress these Programme for Government commitments over the lifetime of this Government.

Decisions regarding the capacity of technological universities to borrow will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Technological Universities Act, 2018. In particular, the provisions of section 21 which sets out the parameters regarding how a technological university may borrow money by means of a bank overdraft or otherwise and may guarantee or underwrite a loan taken or borrowing undertaken by any person.

The 2018 Act requires that any rules be developed by the HEA, following consultation with my Department and the Departments of Public Expenditure and Finance.