I would like to thank USI for their detailed pre-budget 2020 submission on Higher Education. The recommendations outlined in the submission along with other relevant submissions received in advance of budget 2020 are being considered as part of the overall budgetary discussions on higher education provision for 2020.
To date significant progress has been made in increasing investment in Higher Education and putting in place a sustainable funding model for Higher Education. Following the announcements in Budget 2019 Higher Education spending has increased by 25% compared to 2015, an increase of almost €350 million.
I am always open to consider inputs from a wide range of stakeholders and I will be continuing to work for increased investment in Higher Education for 2020 and beyond.