Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
512. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the expert group's report on the future of higher education funding in Ireland will be published; if the continued funding for the National University of Ireland Maynooth to ensure staffing levels will increase in line with plans to expand the student population and resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43919/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of continued pressures on the higher education system, former Minister Quinn established an expert group to examine future funding of higher education under the independent chairmanship of Peter Cassells. The objective is to identify a range of approaches that, combined, will achieve a sustainable funding base to address the continual expansion of the sector while protecting the quality of education. I understand that the Group is in the final stages of its deliberations and I expect to receive its report shortly.The position in relation to the funding of higher education institutions, such as the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, is that my Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates the funding to Universities via a Recurrent Grant Allocation Model on the basis of student numbers in each institution and it is then a matter for the individual institution as to how that funding is allocated internally.
