Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The reality of the economic situation and the public expenditure corrections which must be made present challenges to the higher education sector. Future demand for participation growth must be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality. The nature of these difficult trade-offs is described in the national strategy for higher education to 2030 which also identifies the need for more detailed analysis. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework and the intention in this regard is to assess the inter-relationships and tensions between three parameters, namely, growth in student numbers, funding constraints and quality. The work to which I refer will inform consideration by the Government of policy options in respect of the future funding of the sector. I am anxious to ensure any new funding framework will not impact on access for students.

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