Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will maintain the current funding levels in the higher education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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This year my Department is providing some €1.2 billion in current funding to the higher education sector.

The reality of the economic situation presents challenges for the higher education sector. Future demand for participation growth needs to be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality.

While the nature of these difficult trade-offs are described in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, it also identifies the need for more detailed analysis. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework. This work will inform consideration by Government of policy options in relation to future funding of the sector.

As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process will inform budgetary allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not presently in a position to comment on specific areas of expenditure within my Department.