Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I have changed the way in which the Department of Education and Skills will respond to questions. From now on, replies will be brief and to the point. This has been done to provide time for more questions to be answered and Deputies to ask more supplementary questions if they so wish.

The intention of the sustainability study to be undertaken by the Higher Education Authority, HEA, at my request is to assess the inter-relationship and tension between objectives for increasing student numbers in higher education, maintaining and improving quality and managing within overall funding constraints. The purpose of undertaking this work is to ensure that realistic and sustainable levels of growth in numbers can be supported and better informed choices can be made on policy options for future funding. In assessing this, the HEA has also been asked to consider the impact of more effective utilisation of existing resources, including through the potential of contractual changes under the Croke Park agreement. It will also draw on international comparisons and benchmarks in its work. While the overall study is a complex exercise, I have asked for preliminary findings by the autumn. The precise terms of reference are being finalised and will be published when agreed.

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