Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the strategies he has in place to deal with the anticipated significant increase in numbers seeking higher education places over the next decade as a result of demographics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28669/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The system is facing many challenges ahead, and a growing demand for highly skilled and innovative adaptable Irish graduates with a world-class reputation. If the system is to meet increasing demands for knowledge, innovation and human capital, higher education institutions need to have a strong strategic focus and mission direction underpinned by a new relationship of accountability with the state. I recently announced major restructuring of the higher education system to introduce greater coherency, collaboration and consolidation of provision at regional and national level.

Also being implemented are new system governance arrangements that will ensure that all higher education institutions will be held accountable for their performance against our national priorities and stated system objectives. These changes should improve quality outcomes better access, transfer and progression opportunities for growing numbers of students in a more streamlined and efficient system. In addition, as the Deputy is aware, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is undertaking a study on the sustainability of the current funding system for higher education. This study was initiated at my request and an initial report has been published. This report makes it clear that immediate work is required to prepare for a longer term approach to a system that can be maintained through a sustainable funding base which will be able to address the continual expansion of the sector while protecting quality of education. The HEA is continuing its work in this area and I will be advised further as this work progresses. The report will help inform the decision-making as to the future funding of the sector.