276. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the consultation process with the staff of Carlow College ahead of its closure in 2028; the reasons they are not being redesigned posts in SETU as part of the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44201/26]

The framework announced on 19 May follows a period of extensive and detailed engagement between Carlow College St. Patrick’s and South East Technological University (SETU), in consultation with my Department.

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.

In the light of that extensive engagement and the 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.

This engagement has been 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.

The overriding priority in this framework is to ensure that all current Carlow College students will be able to complete their studies and graduate as planned, without disadvantage. This is the central principle guiding the agreed approach, which provides for the delivery of all existing programmes through to their completion in August 2028.

During the teach-out period, Carlow College will remain the sole provider of academic delivery, retaining full responsibility for both its staffing matters and academic governance. As a private institution operating outside the publicly funded system, it will continue to retain its autonomy regarding all staff relations and employment matters.

Respect for the autonomy of both Carlow College and SETU has been a consistent principle throughout this engagement process. Given the status of Carlow College as private employer, outside the publicly funded system, it is recognised that neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority have a role to play in decisions relating to staffing or employment matters at Carlow College. Similarly, with regard to the publicly-funded sector, which includes SETU, it is a key feature of our higher education system that higher education institutions are autonomous, which of course includes their approach to staffing and recruitment.

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.

It is also important to note that 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. It is my understanding that formal discussions with staff and staff representatives have been commenced by Carlow College and that a detailed plan for the phased teach-out period is being progressed.

It is a key policy objective of my Department to support sustained, regional investment in higher education provision and allow for strong access to high-quality education in all regions of Ireland. The decisions made by Carlow College St. Patrick’s and SETU in developing this framework support that objective. As a publicly funded university operating under the oversight and governance of the Higher Education Authority, SETU is well placed to deepen its presence in the region and continue its contribution to the development of a truly world-class higher education system.