Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Dr. McMullan referred to the DARE and HEAR schemes and the fact the increased number of students is a trend. I welcome the trend. It is fantastic to see. Does Dr. McMullan think the decrease in funding has impacted in any way on these students and on their progression? In general, would she consider students from disadvantaged backgrounds at particular risk of non-progression, and what is her experience? If it is a concern, what supports do we need to put in place to counteract it?

The decrease in funding and the employment control framework have had a major impact on the capacity of higher education sector to attract research funding, and there has been a knock-on effect on innovation and quality. Is this impact due mainly to the facilities in colleges or the reduction in staff, or are both of equal importance?