Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The report states that we need an increase of €600 million by 2021 to address the chronic funding needs of the third level sector. How much of this relates to demographics? Has any of it been provided for in Government calculations? I am aware that €25 million has been costed for the increase in staff, but are any other demographic pressures included in the figure of €600 million? The report outlines a cost of €450 million to reduce student-staff ratios at third level to 14:1. Do we have a breakdown of the other initiatives the report envisages and their costs? How much will increasing the core grant to higher education institutions cost? Are staff costs included in the core funding increase? The report mentions increasing access to higher level education. Does the background work of the report identify any increased spend in this area, and if so, by how much? Have any strategies been put in place by third level institutions to meet the challenges posed by Brexit? What are these strategies if they are in place?

In respect of student loans, how realistic is the prospect of recouping money from graduates who emigrate? I met a delegation from the University of Worcester in the UK who told me that the loan system is failing miserably. There is significant concern about it in countries that have implemented it. I know the report states that there is a 31% repayment rate among graduates in the UK, but is there any evidence that the number of graduates who emigrate has increased as a result of the student loan scheme? A significant number of graduates already emigrate so has there been any consideration of this? Could the witnesses clarify the State subsidy for 30% and what that means for State finances? How would this typically play out as the student loan scheme comes into operation?

Does it mean the State will bear 30% of the cost of the loan? That is not clear.