Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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922. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports his Department could put in place to strengthen the links between two institutions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55199/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you, Deputy, for this question.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs. As such, any partnerships between institutions are a matter for the institutions themselves. However, my Department has developed a range of policy measures designed to promote pathways between further and higher education, and promote collaboration between Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and higher education institutions.

A key initiative in this regard is the establishment of the National Tertiary Office (NTO). It coordinates and supports the development of policy in relation to further and higher education progression pathways for students. Working with the Higher Education Institutions and the Education and Training Boards, the NTO is advancing a strategic approach to enhancing the pathways between the Further Education and Training and Higher Education sectors in a number of specific programme areas. The National Tertiary Office is jointly managed by the HEA and SOLAS.

I recently visited this institution and the issues you raise were discussed. I have asked my officials to investigate the matter further.