Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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255. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if. during discussions with a college (details supplied) and SETU prior to the announcement of the closure of the former, his Department was aware that redundancies would be a necessary or likely outcome of the negotiations. [52140/26]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the person or body that completed the independent valuation of the lands and property of a college (details supplied) ; whether the report will be released to the public or interested parties; whether any other valuations carried out, and if so, by which organisations; and whether there was any discordance between different valuations. [52141/26]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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257. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether his Department has ensured that certain conditions were attached to the finances made available for the wind down of operations and teach-out at a college (details supplied), namely redundancy packages ringfenced for all staff. [52142/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 256 and 257 together.

I thank the Deputy for his questions on this important matter. To set them in the appropriate context, I propose to take Questions 255, 256 and 257 together.

As the Deputy may know, following the identification by Carlow College's of the concerns for its ability to continue its operations owing to long standing and ongoing financial difficulties, a representative working group, including representatives of both Carlow College and South East Technological University (SETU), was established. This working group engaged closely throughout 2025 and examined a range of options, including detailed consideration of the potential for full or partial integration.

In this regard, it is important to emphasise that Carlow College is a private, autonomous institution that operates outside the publicly funded higher education system. My Department and I have continuously engaged with the College and provided increased State support since 2022 in order to sustain its operations over a number of years, whilst an examination of its strategic future was undertaken by the College. In considering the potential for full or partial integration of the private college into a public institution, the financial stability and sustainability of Carlow College was a significant factor of consideration.

At the same time, while SETU is publicly funded, it is autonomous in relation to its internal staffing and employment matters. Like all publicly funded higher education institutions, SETU is required to operate on a financially sustainable basis and to determine its staffing requirements in line with its current and projected activities.

Throughout the process, there was a clear awareness of potential impacts on staff, students and the wider Carlow community. Staff have made an enormous contribution to the College over many years, and all parties recognised that any outcome would have very significant implications for those directly affected. Against the backdrop of the College's serious financial difficulties, the engagement process therefore focused on examining every viable option with a view to securing the best possible outcome for learners, staff and the future educational use of the campus.

While it was not possible to secure a pathway that would allow Carlow College to continue indefinitely in its existing form, the objective throughout was to avoid a disorderly closure and its potentially serious consequences. In the absence of State intervention, there was a real risk that Carlow College would have been unable to meet its obligations to students and staff. The agreed approach instead provides for an orderly teach-out and wind-down process over a two-year period, ensuring continuity for students and a structured and supported process for staff.

The agreed arrangement is supported by State funding which will be provided through SETU and linked to the transfer of the College's lands and buildings. This approach will help preserve the educational use of the site, recognising its historic and ongoing importance to the educational, social and civic life of Carlow town.

As the Deputy notes, the level of funding to be provided will be informed by an independent valuation of the lands and property, which was key to estimating the level of support possible. A valuation report, commissioned by the Higher Education Authority, has been received and is currently under consideration by my Department. It will be assessed in the context of a broader due diligence process and the finalisation of legal arrangements between the parties. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage on the valuation process, pending completion of that work and the conclusion of the relevant legal agreements.

In terms of the future use of the site, on my request SETU are establishing a working group of key stakeholders, including Carlow County Council to develop a campus masterplan to ensure that the lands and buildings continue to serve educational purposes into the future. I will support the publication of this masterplan in due course.

With regard to stipulations on the use of the funding being made available, it is important to note that Carlow College, as a private institution outside the publicly funded higher education system, is not subject to the direct oversight of either my Department or the Higher Education Authority. However, throughout the engagement process my Department has consistently emphasised the importance of clear communications with stakeholder and an assurance for the college to protect its students and engage openly with staff. While decisions relating to employment matters remain for the College as employer, the objective of the agreed framework is to ensure that the resources being made available support the successful completion of programmes by students and facilitate a fair and responsible process for staff.

I fully appreciate the anxiety, uncertainty and disappointment that many staff members have experienced during this period. I have met directly with staff and with union representatives, including SIPTU, and have listened carefully to the concerns they raised regarding their future and the impact of these developments on them and their families. Those concerns have been heard and understood. While responsibility for employment matters rests with the College, it has always been my view that staff should be treated fairly and with respect throughout this process.

I very much welcome the constructive engagement that is continuing between the College, staff and trade unions. I believe it is important that every effort continues to be made to achieve fair outcomes for staff, while also protecting students and safeguarding the future educational use of the campus. In very challenging circumstances, the agreed framework represents the most balanced and responsible approach available, providing certainty for learners, supporting an orderly process for staff and ensuring that this important educational asset continues to serve the people of Carlow and the wider region into the future.