Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very confident that the resources will be available. When I look at other jurisdictions and the very difficult budgetary decisions they are having to make compared to the decisions that we are able to make as a result of full employment, we find ourselves in a more favourable position in bringing forward policy measures. We were able to increase grants and cut fees while increasing core funding. In the past fees were reduced but there was not the increase in core funding by the same amount. That actually caused a hole in funding. Last year, for example, we saw the first improvement in many years in the ratio between staff and students in Irish universities. We will see that again this year. We are seeing additional funding being provided to universities to take on extra staff. This means trying to end and reduce precarious employment, with better terms and conditions for staff working in Irish universities as well.

Being honest, we need to reform the student grant scheme. When this House passed that legislation in 2011 it was good but a lot has happened since then. I really do look forward to working with Deputies to see how we can overhaul the student support structures we have in place in the State.

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