Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne for raising what is an important issue. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris. We are very aware of the demand that exists for places in higher education. Demographic factors mean demand will only increase in the coming years and we must work to ensure there is a place in third level education for everyone who wants one.

Our higher education system has already expanded considerably over the past number of years. As the Senator outlined, full-time graduate enrolments rose by 9% between 2014 and 2020 and are expected to increase by another 15% by the end of the decade. A significant number of additional places were created in 2020 and 2021 in response to the disruption of Covid-19, as the Senator said. This year, officials are working with the HEA and the higher education sector to create additional places in key skills areas, as identified by our skills architecture. This work is at an advanced stage and it is hoped a significant number of additional places can be created. These places will help to address skills need in areas such as healthcare, construction and green skills.

When we are increasing capacity in any area of education, it is vital that we do so in a sustainable way and maintain the high quality for which our education system is known. That is at the heart of the points raised by the Senator. We talked about securing funding for this and being able to provide for places into the future, based not on demographics but on the increased demand we need to meet.

Earlier this month, the Minister, Deputy Harris, published Funding the Future, the Department's ambitious policy document that seeks to address funding issues in the higher education sector, improve the quality of programmes and learning outcomes and reduce the cost of education to students and their families. The Senator referenced the €307 million in funding. That planned additional investment will be made over a number of years to address the core funding challenges. This does not account for future demographic needs or new policy proposals for higher education.

The Minister, Deputy Harris, will shortly convene a high-level higher education reform implementation review group to drive reform in this area. It is also important that we examine how we increase capacity, not only in the higher education sector but also in further education, training and apprenticeships for those most suited to those areas. I can talk a little more about the apprenticeship side in my supplementary reply.

I take on board the points raised by the Senator. They are very valid. We want to create additional places. We have to make sure they are funded sustainably all of the way through the system. The points he outlined, such as the example of medical students, are valid. The Minister, Deputy Harris, is working to ensure that the places that are delivered are sustainably funded and that we have as many as we need and can provide. That is the approach and determination across the Government.