Professor Mark Rogers:

If I had the answer to that question, I would have given it many times. There is a great deal of evidence about the value of the higher education system for the economic growth and social development of the country. The Indecon report indicated that the return against the investment made in education was about nine to one. We can think about €9 million going back into the economy on the basis of a €1 million investment. That is very significant. I am the first to argue that higher education is not simply about economics; it is about cultural and social good. The well-being of the country and of the individuals within it is much greater because we have a vibrant education and higher education system. The evidence from research and scholarship undertaken in the universities shows the benefits that has brought over the years. All we can do is to keep highlighting those facts.