Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
23. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the University of Limerick's recent purchase of social housing units in Rhebogue, County Limerick. [8903/24]
View answerUniversities, including the University of Limerick are autonomous bodies established under statute. Universities are required to comply with all relevant Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines including as appropriate, the Public Spending Code and relevant circulars.
As autonomous bodies, the expenditure of a University’s income (public and private) is a matter for the individual institution and this includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place to oversee the use of its resources.
The President of a University, as the Accountable Person for the institution, is accountable to the Oireachtas in respect of the expenditure of Exchequer funding and their financial statements are audited independently by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The acquisition process for the development referred to was undertaken independently by the University and outside of any supported or exchequer schemes under my remit.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recently commenced a review of capital acquisitions procedures with the University of Limerick. It is intended that this review will be undertaken in an expedient manner. The HEA will provide my Department with an update once this process is concluded.
