John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As for the amounts mentioned, part of the Supplementary Estimate is going to pay the continuous debt over the past number of years. In respect of the physical space for research to which the Deputy referred, the Department of Education and Skills has announced funding in the context of budget 2018 that will address the need for physical space for research in the higher education sector. This includes €200 million for public private partnerships with institutes of technology and €270 million for investment in the higher education sector generally, including research. Pending a decision on the further cycle of the PRTLI, the actions being taken by the Department of Education and Skills will address the most urgent requirements for increased investment in higher education.