Dr. Deirdre Lillis:

I thank the Cathaoirleach and members for the invitation to meet with the committee today to discuss the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science’s public service performance review, PSPR, indicators. This is a particularly timely session as the Department is nearing completion of a review of our performance and equality indicators. That review acknowledges the evolution and significant advances in the Department’s agenda and will ensure we provide a clear focus on our performance rather than just on our activity. The evidence for policy unit in the Department is undertaking this review, during which it has been very cognisant of the helpful work undertaken by members' colleagues in the Parliamentary Budget Office, PBO.

In reviewing our PSPR indicators, we are focusing on the link between funding and outcomes. This is a focus for the Department as we are working to improve the evidence available for policymaking in a number of ways. These include connecting policymakers with researchers in our universities, implementing new science advice structures and appointing a Government science adviser, investing in solving national grand challenges in climate, digital and other key areas and enhancing the impact of public investment in research and innovation so that the most people can benefit. We are working to ensure we can provide the best possible information so that Ireland can make the best policy decisions.

The review of our PSPR that is under way will also address our indicators in respect of equality budgeting. This involves providing greater information on the likely impact of budgetary measures across a range of areas including income, health and education, as well as information on how outcomes differ across gender, age, ethnicity and so on. The Department is very much focused on ensuring that further and higher education is accessible and equitable. As such, we are hopeful that the adoption of an equality budgeting framework will be of assistance in anticipating potential impacts in the budgetary process and that it will put equality outcomes to the fore in our reporting. This initiative is in line with the Department’s approach to gender, where the PBO has previously noted that our indicators are well developed, notwithstanding the need for improvements in respect of several other factors such as socioeconomic status, disability and ethnicity. The review process I am referring to will also act as the vehicle for these areas to be addressed.

The public service performance report we are discussing today includes detailed metrics on the Department’s activity in 2022. Across outputs and impacts and each of the high-level goals, we have performed strongly, exceeding or meeting the targets for the number of people enrolled in apprenticeships, full-time higher education students, undergraduates and postgraduates along with a range of other targets.

The Department marked the third year since its establishment this summer. In that time, the Government has overseen a significant reduction in the cost of third level education while also taking the necessary steps to bring about a sustainable funding landscape for the tertiary sector. With respect to the sector I am most familiar with, that of research, science and innovation, we are implementing the objectives of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy. We have established the Civil Service research network, which will connect policymakers with researchers in the university sector. In addition, we are establishing new science advice structures and improving our engagement with international organisations.

The Department is also finalising draft legislation for consideration by the Oireachtas that would see the establishment of a new research agency, amalgamating Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. For the first time, this new agency will have an explicit function to enhance evidence for policy from our investment in research.

I understand the committee has an interest in a number of issues across the Department’s work, ranging from apprenticeships and green skills to supports for students to name but a few. I am sure the committee will want to discuss these and other matters in more depth. My colleagues and I are happy to assist the committee in its deliberations to the greatest extent possible.