It remains to be seen whether or not the Government will fulfill its commitment to develop a new borrowing framework for technological universities. Under the current structure, TUs such as Athlone and Sligo are not permitted to independently borrow money for capital improvements in contrast to traditional universities. Representatives from AMLÉ, formerly the Union of Students in Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Higher Education earlier this week. ATU Sligo Student's Union President, Emil Kindl says the situation has put TUs on the back foot in terms of accommodation:
Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan, meanwhile has spoken in solidarity with local students. Deputy Feighan was among those who fielded questions from representatives from third-level colleges on Wednesday. The Fine Gael representative feels more should be done to support TUs:
