Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am following with interest, and I believe there is value in, the work the committee is doing. Perhaps not everybody in the sector will agree with the following but let me be very clear on my position. This will not be new money for old rope. It will have to be accompanied by a reform agenda. To be very clear to the sector, I accept there is an issue with core funding that needs to be addressed. I also accept and know that reforms will be required in the sector. These are reforms to deliver on a number of issues we discuss in the House on a regular basis, including a more inclusive education system, a system that is more open and responsive to the needs of people with disabilities and additional educational needs, and a system that recognises that learners come in many different shapes and sizes that need to be accommodated, such as part-time students, mature students, online learning and flexible learning. I accept there are funding challenges in some areas. I will also say on the floor of the Dáil we now have funding back at peak levels. We have also started the journey of improving student supports in a range of areas. I am excited about the next piece of the jigsaw, which is once and for all settling the question as to what a sustainable funding model looks like for Ireland and getting on with implementing it after years of people debating this point.

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