Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 513: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has requested that the Comptroller and Auditor General carry out a forensic audit of third level funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9630/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the launch of a process to develop a new national strategy for higher education. The process, which is now underway, is being overseen by a high level steering group, chaired by economist Dr Colin Hunt and comprising national and international expertise including academic, business, community and student interests, as well as senior government officials. It is expected that the group will complete its work before the end of the year.

The process affords a timely opportunity to review the environment for higher education and the challenges and changes that are impacting on the sector. An examination of the overall operational, governance and resourcing framework are important elements of the strategy review. The government is investing unprecedented levels of public funding in higher education and it is appropriate to look at the effectiveness of use of current resources, identify any potential for rationalisation or change to maximise the use of those resources and identify how any additional resource requirements can be met having particular regard to the difficult budgetary and economic climate that is in prospect in the medium term. The Comptroller and Auditor General has signalled his intention to carry out a programme of work in the higher education area that will assist in informing the review of the effectiveness of use of current resources.