Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
269. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost to the Exchequer of adding an additional 1,000 level 6 and level 7 places at third level. [45283/22]
View answerMy Department allocates funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to designated Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The HEA provides block grant funding to the Higher Education Sector, from within the allocation available, through the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model (RGAM) which is driven by overall student numbers. The grant is allocated as a block grant as a contribution towards teaching, research and supporting activities. The internal allocation is a matter for each institution.It is also important to note that HEIs are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation, as such the management of the academic affairs, including the curriculum and instruction and education provided are generally matters for the relevant institution, In this regard it is open to individual institutions to increase the number of level 6 and 7 undergraduate places without an increased cost to the Exchequer necessarily arising.
As the deputy will appreciate the costs incurred by a Higher Education Institution in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant Higher Education Institution. It is therefore not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought.
To provide the Deputy with an indication of the potential costs associated with increased places the HEA have estimated potential costs to the Exchequer based on existing levels of funding provided by the HEA towards such places. In this regard the full-year cost of adding an additional 1,000 places across level 6 and level 7 places at Third Level is estimated to be approximately €6,000,000.
Please note the following:
- The approximated amount represents the estimated additional cost to the HEA (excluding the €3,000 student contribution – some students may be eligible to have this paid under SUSI). The estimate is based on the 2022 standard resource.
- There may be other costs that fall to DFHERIS – e.g. student supports – SUSI grants, etc.
- This amount excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and Departments.
- The above amount is the cost for one cohort of additional 1,000 Level 6 and Level 7 students.
