Professor Brian Mac Craith:

The Chairman is correct. It would have to be additional funding. There would be equity in making it additional, recognising the changing nature of society and the need for flexible access to education. The ultimate issue concerns blended learning.

On Senator Averil Power's question, "blended" means a customised combination of face-to-face and online education. It is not a one size fits all option. For the undergraduate, the learning experience has to be predominantly on campus. However, as one moves along the experience and, frequently, the age spectrum but not exclusively so, the nature of blended learning changes. One will find many individuals, particularly in the case of CPD, choosing to engage fully online.