Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government recognises the importance of higher education to Ireland's economic future and social development, as well as the huge impact a higher education experience has on the lives of individuals. In considering the best way forward, the previous Government established an expert group to examine future funding requirements for the higher education system and to present options for developing a sustainable long-term funding strategy for the sector. This group has completed its work and its report will be considered shortly. As signalled in the programme for Government, it is the intention to consult the cross-party Oireachtas committee as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of this sector.

The Government is also committed to enhancing equity of access to higher education. Participation rates for under-represented groups have increased steadily in recent years but there are still some groups that remain very under-represented. The new national plan for equity of access to higher education, for 2015 to 2019, provides a framework for widening access further and contains ambitious targets for the participation of those from certain socio-economic backgrounds, people with disabilities and mature learners. The implementation of this plan, along with a series of other commitments with regard to promoting access to higher education, have been outlined in the programme for Government. This will complement the significant work that is already underway to ensure that our higher education institutions are representative of Irish society.

See this speech in context