Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The section on finance in the Hunt report called for further detailed analysis and study. In addition, the increase in funding of approximately €500 million is required over a lengthy period as opposed to the next couple of years. There are levels of duplication emerging which were not previously known. For example, approximately 40 different courses are offered in second level education teacher training in 21 different institutions. We must examine not so much institutional rearrangement, although that may be necessary should the institutions so decide, but the duplication of existing courses in centres that are in close proximity to each other. There is no doubt that net additional money will be required for third level education. Some of this funding could be found from savings within existing expenditure.

See this speech in context