Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I genuinely welcome the work that the Deputy is going to undertake. I was pleased that I could announce with the Taoiseach €40 million from the shared island unit for all-island research which will make a real difference, not only in investing in research but also in building the links and personal relationships between individual researchers and the institutions North and South. I look forward to that work.

I accept there is underfunding in higher education and that we need a sustainable funding model but I want to be clear that there will not just be new money for old rope. I know Deputy Conway-Walsh will agree on that. Deputy Verona Murphy spoke of her ability to obtain a law degree at night, presumably part-time, in Wexford. If we are to fund higher education sustainably and properly, it has to work for the citizens, not just for institutions, structures or university presidents. Alongside the list of funding requirements needed, the State will also have a list of asks as to how our higher education system could be more integrated with further education, less elitist and more agile and flexible. I know the Deputy will agree with that.

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