Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the dangers of inadequate State resources leaving universities over-dependent on business for financial support. [10837/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Spending by my Department on Higher level education has increased dramatically in recent years. An amount of €783 million has been allocated to the university sector for 2007. This represents an increase of approximately €29 million over 2006 and an increase of €111m since 2005 to the university sector. The additional funding being provided in 2007 marks a continuation of the significant upward trend in recurrent funding for the sector.

The overall provision by my Department for the Higher Level sector amounts to some €1.9 billion for 2007. This represents more than a doubling of the funding made available since 1997. In 1997, when this Government took office, the amount of funding provided to the Higher level sector was approximately €850 million. The funding being provided in 2007 represents an increase of over €1 billion or 124% on the 1997 provision. In order to maximize income and in keeping with their missions, I consider that Higher Education institutions should be encouraged to diversify and increase their income from non-state sources.

Unprecedented investment is now being made in our higher education system in pursuit of the development of the knowledge base on which Ireland's growth strategy, and the economic and social benefits that will flow from that, depends. Supporting our higher education institutions is a major policy priority. The targeted investments that this Government is now making in our higher education infrastructure, in promoting excellence through system wide collaboration and change, in widening access and in creating a vibrant fourth level sector are key long-term investments in Ireland's future.