I thank the Deputy. As she will be aware, Carlow College is and has always been, a private and autonomous institution operating outside the publicly funded higher education system. Despite this, it has received substantial State support, including over €3.1 million in student fee grants, with an annual uplift of €750,000 in place since 2022. Following repeated requests for additional assistance, an independent review in 2024 identified a deteriorating and ultimately unsustainable financial position. It became clear that without intervention the college was at serious risk of imminent closure, with significant consequences for students, staff and the wider regional education landscape. Through the support of the Minister, Deputy Lawless, and our Department to prevent a disorderly shutdown, SETU agreed in 2025 to engage with Carlow College. An independent mediator was appointed to guide Carlow College through the process. The engagement included extensive analysis and due diligence, culminating in a detailed report delivered to both institutions. The resulting framework is, therefore, a joint proposal arising from sustained and transparent engagement between both parties with Carlow College fully involved throughout and reflecting the preferred option of Carlow College to teach out the existing students and programmes over the next two academic years. Throughout this period, particular attention has been given to the position of staff. The Minister has consistently emphasised the need for clear and proactive communication with employees. This included direct correspondence in December 2025 urging the college's president to prioritise staff engagement in early 2026. In considering the proposed pathway forward, the priority has been to safeguard the interests of the college community while enabling a fair and transparent process for staff. The agreed plan provides for an orderly wind-down of academic activity over a two-year period finishing in August 2028. What has been agreed between the two parties is a structured and phased teach-out designed to minimise disruption to students and staff. The Minister has continued to engage. Most recently yesterday, he met both autonomous institutions and separately a staff delegation from Carlow College with their union. He is acutely aware of the impact of this announcement on Carlow College and its staff and has asked the college to support them through clear engagement in this process. All local representatives from Carlow and Kilkenny were invited to an online briefing last night to discuss these matters. A key element of this framework is the planned acquisition and transfer of the college’s land and buildings to SETU at the end of this period. In return, a significant level of State funding, based on an independent valuation, will be provided to Carlow College. This funding will be committed by Carlow College to support its teach-out and staff redundancy costs. These issues will be managed through established representative structures and trade unions.

Sentiment score: 0.33

I thank the Deputy. I believe the framework agreed by the two institutions is a prudent and measured approach that protects the educational attainment and interests of students in the region. Every current learner in Carlow College will be able to complete their studies and graduate as planned without disruption or disadvantage. That commitment of continuity and fairness has guided every step of the process. At the same time, the framework provides the autonomy and responsibilities of Carlow College as a private institution and employer with a long history. Government has every confidence the formal discussions commenced by Carlow College with its staff and staff reps will be carried out in a transparent and forthright manner. Of course we are concerned about the staff. Our thoughts are with all of them as they deal with the news of the closure of the college and the loss of their employment. Through future expansion and development of programmes in areas of demand, regionally and nationally, there will be opportunities for the highly qualified and experienced staff of the college to apply for job opportunities but, it is important to say, through open competition. The Deputy mentioned social care. The Minister, Deputy Lawless, and his Department are running a new expression of interest across disability therapies and social care to expand provision nationally. In terms of opportunities for the enhancement of higher education in the Carlow region, the planned transfer of the campus to SETU creates a strong foundation for continued investment in Carlow, ensuring this historic site remains a vibrant hub of learning and opportunity. Under SETU's leadership, there is a clear pathway to strengthen provision, expand access and support regional development. SETU will preserve the use of the site for educational purposes.

Sentiment score: 0.41