Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
209. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to deal with concerns regarding third level student support and the funding challenges for third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31119/17]
View answerHigher education is a central part of our plan as a Government to support a strong economy and deliver a fair society. The package of measures I announced for the sector in last year's Budget reflects this priority.
I secured an initial investment of €36.5 million in the sector in this year's Budget and €160 million overall over the next three years. This is the first significant investment in the sector in 9 years. This will allow us for the first time to keep pace with demographic increases and also introduce targeted initiatives in priority areas, such as promoting access, skills, research and flexible learning.
In addition, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are currently considering a proposed Exchequer-Employer investment mechanism for higher education and further education and training. The proposal under consideration seeks to deliver up to an additional €200m per annum by 2020 through an increase in the National Training Fund levy.
Proposals to develop a more sustainable funding model for the higher education system are contained in the Cassells report that is currently being considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills. I referred the Cassells report to the Joint Committee in order to build political consensus around the most appropriate future funding model for higher education.
In addition, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are currently reviewing the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model (RGAM) in order to ensure that the means by which funding is allocated by the HEA to Higher Education Institutions is as efficient and effective as possible.
In relation to student supports, my Department is investing in a significant programme of supports in order to assist students from under-represented groups to participate in and complete higher education. In total my Department will invest approximately €450 million in access supports in the 2017/18 academic year. This will benefit approximately 80,000 disadvantaged students through the student grant scheme. Other measures include the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.
