Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct that his party leader raised that issue during Leaders' Questions. This is the first time in nine years that a significant investment has been made in the third level sector. It is almost €40 million. Not two sentences but two full paragraphs in the Minister's speech were about third level education. It is the intention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, to bring forward a strategy for long-term sustainable investment in the third level sector by the middle of next year. The House must discuss the realistic issues involved in capital investment for third level education. It is a critical issue with regard to the type of opportunities that will arise in the future in the context of the new advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics and other such areas where Ireland can be a world leader. That requires a very strong third level sector but, unfortunately, due to lack of investment in the past, that did not happen. It is starting now with an initial allocation of €39.5 million.

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