Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1649: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the role of higher education in meeting economic and social challenges; his further views on whether the sector is resourced adequately to meet these challenges in view of the reported falls in the level of core grant per student; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29524/08]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1835: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the financial stability of the university sector in view of reports of the emergence of substantial deficits in this sector; his further views on the sector's capacity to meet the challenges facing it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29523/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1649 and 1835 together.

There have been substantial improvements in the funding of higher education in recent years. Overall provision to the third level sector (capital, recurrent, student grants etc) amounted to some €1.5 billion in 2004, €1.9 billion in 2007 and some €2 billion in 2008. This is an increase of some 33% since 2004 and an increase of some 135% since 1997 levels (€850m). Substantial funding continues to be provided for research and development. In 2007 the recurrent funding allocated under the research programmes amounted to some €83.7million.

In recent years, recurrent funding allocated to the University sector (including funding to meet the cost of free undergraduate tuition fees) has increased from €631m in 2004 to some €831m in 2008. This excludes separately provided programmes of funding for capital, for research and development and from the Strategic Innovation Fund. It represents an increase of some 32% since 2004 and an increase of some 150% since 1997 levels. In the circumstances, it is a matter for the universities to manage their resources and where necessary to effect economies in order to keep expenditure within the approved budget.

Support for reform and development at third level and the creation of world class excellence at fourth level are central Government priorities. The National Development Plan 2007-2013, recognises the critical role of higher education in the national innovation system that will be the basis of Ireland's economic and social development. The Plan identifies the full funding of the sector — over €13 billion through the period — as a key strategic investment under the Plan. In contributing to the achievement of national policy goals for social and economic development, it can be anticipated that there will be continuing significant resource needs for the sector.

As you will be aware, I have indicated my intention to launch a process to develop a new strategy for higher education that will provide a vision and strategic direction for the future development of the sector in contributing to Ireland's economic and social development. In developing that strategy, it is appropriate that we examine how well our higher education system is performing currently and how the system can be best supported to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

When I met with the Heads of the Universities I emphasised the need to ensure effective use of existing resources in the context of the future development of the sector.