Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to follow up on the funding gap of €307 million that was mentioned in the context of Funding the Future. I understand that numerous commentators have stated it is desirable that the gap be addressed within the lifetime of this Government. Will that be achieved within two years or three years or will it be further along the road? I ask the Minister to clarify that.

I refer to the comments of USI. It welcomed some aspects of what was published but was critical that there was no information on what kind of reduction was going to be due, as well as of the fact that contributions will continue to be part of the funding stream. I ask the Minister to address or clarify some of those concerns.

To follow up on the issue of student accommodation, as Senator Byrne stated, it is probably the single biggest concern of third level students. I refer to the inability of technological universities in particular to raise their own funds, borrow, etc. Will that be addressed?