Brendan Griffin
Ceist:73. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding third level funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32265/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 October 2016
Ceisteanna (73)
Freagraí scríofa
The Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education, published in July, clearly outlines the funding challenges and offers a number of approaches and recommendations for consideration for the medium term. As committed to in the Programme for Government, the report has been referred to the Education Committee as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of the sector.
We will require reasonable consensus to enable us to move forward with a realistic and achievable strategy for funding the system into the future. I shall work with the Education Committee as it analyses all of the options put forward by the Expert Group and hears the voice of all stakeholders.
While Cassells deals with the medium and long term funding needs of higher education we also have to consider the immediate challenges and in that context I am pleased that in Budget 2017 I secured additional funding for the sector for the first time in nine years. In 2017 an additional €36.5 million will be made available with €160 million additional over the next three years. This will allow the sector keep pace with demographic increases and introduce targeted initiatives in areas such as disadvantage, skills, research and flexible learning. Among those who will benefit from the additional third level funding being made available are, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lone parents and Travellers.
It is also intended to carry out a policy review in order to implement a sustainable and predictable multi-annual funding model for higher and further education and training involving increased Employer and Exchequer contributions from 2018. This review will be in line with the policy framework set out in the National Skills Strategy and will complement the ongoing work by the Oireachtas Committee in relation to the Cassells report.