2488. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the long term plans for St Patricks College Carlow ; the plans for the building and site if the college closes; the courses that will be protected; the job protections can be given to the staff currently facing uncertainty. [42460/26]

2492. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will comment on the proposed takeover of a college (details supplied); the costs for the State on this takeover; the financial benefits to the State; if staff from the college will be employed by SETU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42755/26]

2493. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can comment on the proposed takeover of ,or if he is aware that the humanities course offered by a college (details supplied); the plans he has made to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42756/26]

2494. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline of the negotiations that took place between SETU prior to the decision of 19 May 2026 to wind down operations of a college (details supplied) over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42757/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2488, 2492, 2493 and 2494 together as they relate to various aspects of arrangements recently announced with respect to Carlow College.

At the outset, it is important to recognise that Carlow College is, and has always been, a privately owned and autonomous church-operated institution outside the State system. The arrangements recently announced have been necessitated by the College’s financial position, which has become increasingly unsustainable in recent years and ultimately led it to seek Government assistance.

By the end of 2024, it was clear that, without Government intervention, the College faced the very real prospect of ceasing operations. This would have had serious consequences for students, staff, and the future of higher education infrastructure in the region. It is also important to note that my Department has already provided more than €2.5 million in additional supports to Carlow College at its request, over and above funding provided through student supports and fee payments. This support was provided because protecting learners and sustaining higher education provision in Carlow remain overriding priorities for both my Department and the Government.

With the support of colleagues across Government, including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister of State Murnane O’Connor, decisive action has been taken to avert what would otherwise have been a deeply damaging outcome. The framework announced is the result of an extensive period of engagement. Throughout this process, I have met regularly with representatives of Carlow College and ensured that this issue received sustained focus at a senior level across my Department and with relevant stakeholders. This work has been progressed through a dedicated working group that I established, comprising representatives of both Carlow College and SETU, supported by a State-appointed mediator.

In the light of due diligence reporting received in early 2026, the two institutions worked collaboratively to identify their preferred arrangements and advanced a framework agreement which was approved by their respective governing bodies, and is guided by four primary objectives:

• to protect the interests of Carlow College students to ensure the completion of their programmes;

• to ensure clear, fair and transparent treatment of staff;

• to secure the future educational use of the campus in Carlow town;

• and to protect the heritage and legacy of Carlow College, recognising its contribution to education in the south east over many generations.

This framework will support a structured two-year programme completion and teach-out period at Carlow College, during which it will remain the sole academic provider and employer. The College will retain responsibility for programme delivery, staffing and student supports, and complete an orderly and managed wind-down of academic activity. No new student intakes will take place from 2026 onwards. The framework also makes provision for the transfer of the campus to SETU upon the completion of all remaining Carlow College programmes, on the basis of an independent valuation of the site and buildings.

With regard to the range of programmes currently delivered at Carlow College, I am cognisant of the need to preserve and enhance provision across the full range of disciplines, including the Humanities as referenced by Deputy Wall. Going forward, my department will continue to engage proactively with SETU, as the anchor institution in the region, in order to meet the educational needs of students in all disciplines.

Crucially, the arrangements for Carlow College over the next two years will ensure that current students will not experience any disadvantage to their studies, and that all students currently enrolled at Carlow College will be able to complete their studies and to achieve their intended qualification. Protecting learners has been the central priority throughout this process, and the agreed framework ensures that every student currently enrolled can complete their studies with certainty.

I and my Department recognise the significant and lasting contribution Carlow College has made to the community, and the importance of maintaining that legacy into the future. The inclusion of the transfer of the Carlow College campus and lands to SETU as part of this framework represents an important step in supporting the continued development of higher education provision in the South East, ensuring that the campus continues to serve educational purposes into the future. As an autonomous institution, it will be a matter for SETU, under the oversight of its Governing Body, to determine the future use of the campus. However, I have been clear throughout this process that the site will be used to enhance the provision of higher education provision in Carlow and the region.

With regard to the staff of Carlow College, it is important to emphasise that, throughout this engagement, I have consistently highlighted the need for Carlow College, as an independent and private institution outside the public system, to prioritise meaningful staff engagement. This position was formally communicated in writing, and I was assured that such engagement was taking place.

A significant level of State funding will be provided through the Department to Carlow College in consideration of the transfer of its campus to SETU. It is fully expected that this funding will play a central role in the restructuring process, particularly in addressing matters relating to staff. These issues will be progressed appropriately through representative bodies and trade unions.

I believe the agreed framework protects the interests of students, promotes fair treatment of staff, and secures the continued use of the campus as an educational facility in Carlow town. I would like to acknowledge and thank all those involved, including the governing bodies of Carlow College and SETU, as well as Deputy Murnane O’Connor, for their strong commitment and intensive engagement in delivering this outcome and safeguarding the future for learners, the institution, and higher education in the region.