Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
172 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date on carrying out a study into the sustainability of funding at third level; when this will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36301/12]
View answerAt my request the Higher Education Authority (HEA) completed an initial study late last year on sustainability of the current funding system for higher education. The report outlines the scale of recent reductions in funding and growth in student numbers, and provides some evidence on the possible impacts of this on quality of provision. However, the HEA has emphasised that the report is preliminary only and that substantial additional work now needs to be undertaken before comprehensive proposals as to how we can sustainably fund higher education into the future can be developed. The HEA is continuing its work in this area and further advice is expected later this year.
