Officials in my Department met with representatives from the 'Wake up SUSI' campaign on 25th. May. A proposal in relation to extending student supports to students in certain private colleges was subsequently submitted to my Department on 8th. June. This proposal is currently being considered by officials in my Department, in the context of overall budgetary constraints.
An Expert Group chaired by Peter Cassells was established to examine funding arrangements for higher education and to present options for developing a sustainable long term funding strategy for the sector. The Expert Group has completed its work and its report will allow for a real and meaningful discussion on the funding requirements of the sector and how those requirements should be met. As signalled in the Programme for Government, it is my intention to publish the report shortly and to refer it to the cross-party Oireachtas Committee for consultation as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of this sector. This will ensure that all views can be heard and considered on the most appropriate way forward for the Irish higher education system.