Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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298. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the €20 million reduction in grants to universities and other institutes of higher education included in the 2013 revised estimates volume published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is external to the €44 million additional savings required by his Department this year; the rationale behind this reduction of grants to universities and institutes of higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27556/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware the reduction of €25 million in the allocation to the university and institute of technology sectors was made this year following discussions with the Higherr Education Authority to ensure more prudent managment of existing cash balances as identified by the Comptroller and auditor General.

Under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2012-14, an expenditure ceiling has been set for this Department for 2014. This will require the Department to identify a further €44 million in savings in 2014, in order to live within this ceiling.