Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2016
77. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposals he is considering with respect to a change in the existing third level fee arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21760/16]
View answer88. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the report by the group chaired by Mr. Peter Cassells on the funding of third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21909/16]
View answer89. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is opposed to increasing fees for students and student loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21910/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 88 and 89 together.I welcome the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education, published last Monday. The report is comprehensive and clearly outlines the funding challenges in the sector and offers a number of approaches and recommendations for consideration. As committed to in the Programme for Government, I am referring the report to the Education Committee as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of the sector. This will ensure that all views can be heard and considered.
It will be necessary to develop the wide consensus needed for increased resources and a more fundamental reform to the funding model – the more the goals of students, families, employers and the State are transparently being delivered, the more they will each see that their investment is worthwhile and the more compelling the case for investment. Funding must match national ambitions and the system should provide more comprehensive supports to a wider range of students.
We will require political and societal consensus to enable us to move forward with a realistic and achievable strategy for funding the system into the future. I do not want to in any way influence the Education Committee's work which must analyse all of the options put forward by the Expert Group and allow the voice of all stakeholders and all sides of the debate to be heard.
In addition, my Department will be working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) over the summer on a revised System Performance Framework of strategic dialogue with higher education institutions which will establish clear goals for the system for the next 5 years across priority areas such as access, research and developing our pipeline of human capital. My Department, in co-operation with the HEA, will also undertake a review of current state funding mechanisms to ensure the right tools and incentives are in place to achieve these goals.
