Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether senior academics here earn on average 30% higher salaries than their counterparts in Britain; and if this is an aspect of the higher education budget that he is examining in order to protect frontline education services. [43092/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware policy on rates of pay in the Education sector forms part of wider public pay policy, including related commitments and reforms under the Croke Park Agreement and to this extent academic salaries were reduced from January 2010 on foot of a Government decision to reduce Public Service pay.

At my request the Higher Education Authority (HEA) completed an initial study on sustainability of the current funding system. The HEA has advised that this report is preliminary and substantial additional work needs to be undertaken. Work is continuing in this area and I expect to receive further advice later this year.

All areas of Government spending are currently being looked at which will inform funding allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that in line with normal practice I am unable to comment on this budgetary process.