Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

-----to bring the economy forward.

The programme for Government commits to undertake a full review of third level funding with a view to introducing a funding system that provides third level institutions will reliable funding but which does not impact on access for students. The Higher Education Authority submitted a report on the sustainability of the existing funding framework for higher education to the Minister, Deputy Quinn, last Monday. The report examines the interrelationships between funding levels, the scale of growth and the maintenance of quality in the system. The Minister is considering that report. It will help to inform the consideration by Government of the policy options in respect of the funding of higher education. In regard to what may or may not be in the budget and the Estimates, that has yet to be finally determined by Government.

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