Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer to the Deputy's final question is "Yes", the technological universities do have a legal ability to now access the borrowing framework. That is important. It is a new space for that sector to become familiar with and on which we can work with it. We have a clear message to the sector, however, that we are now in the business of receiving ideas and pilot projects in this space. I have been personally delivering that message in recent days.

As regards the comments of USI, I largely welcome them. A students' union would not be doing its job if it was not agitating for the Minister of the day to do more and do it faster. That is its job. The USI is a constructive partner and has been very helpful in addressing many student welfare issues and needs through a very difficult period with Covid. It will know, however, that no Minister, no matter what portfolio he or she holds, can ever say that grants will be increased by X or fees decreased by Y outside of a budgetary cycle. Government does not work like that. I point out to the USI and to students that we now have a Government policy that clearly states that, over time, we want to reduce the contribution fee and not just increase the student grant, but also improve how it works.

I hope to show form on this in the budget in October. The budgets we have delivered since going into government have seen increases in student supports and student grants each year. We want to build on this. To ask how quickly we can reach the €307 million is a very legitimate question. I have heard the Irish Universities Association state it would like to see it done in two budgets and no more than three. I would not expect the association to say anything else as it has been waiting a long time to get to this point. It is on the implementation group, as is the Technological Higher Education Association and others. It is a matter for the budget but if the Government goes the full term, which I hope it does, then three budgets remain in its lifetime. We could make significant inroads and huge progress in delivering on this figure during three budgets. The three parties in government would be collectively disappointed if we did not achieve this.

The Deputy has previously raised with me the issue of a seat on the National Skills Council for the Higher Education Colleges Association. There is merit in this and I have asked the officials to look at it and revert directly to the Deputy.