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

We need to do a bit of an evaluation, as do all parties. One should not decide that one's mind is made up before evaluating the issue, which is the danger with the Deputy's line of questioning. We need to consider any proposal on its merits. As the Deputy is aware, I have specific proposals for 2018. I have indicated already that I have received a commitment for a demographic increase. In other words, additional money will follow the additional students in the coming year. This has not happened for the past nine years. Therefore, there is an additional commitment. On top of this, we will have an employer contribution. It is out to consultation but it is hoped that it will start next year and rise over time to 2020, when it will be €200 million. Those are two substantial commitments - €160 million from the Exchequer and €200 million from employers. What else the Oireachtas wants to do remains in issue. We are a minority Government. We have to work with others to see what is the consensus approach to the issue. Much like the health area, we must do it on the basis of how we will fund needs in a decade's time and not just say that we do not like the cut of a particular proposal.

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