Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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38. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the proposal from the Union of Students in Ireland for a Government injection of an additional €140 million into the higher education sector during 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28354/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the USI pre-budget submission and its recommendations for increased funding to the sector. The Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education, published in July, clearly outlines the funding challenges in the higher education sector and offers a number of approaches and recommendations for consideration. As committed to in the Programme for Government, I have referred the report to the Education Committee as part of the process for formulating a plan for the future of the sector. This will ensure that all views can be heard and considered.

In welcoming the publication of the report I indicated my belief that additional funding for the sector must be accompanied by new performance based funding mechanisms and new targets for improved outcomes for the users and funders of the service. 

We will require reasonable consensus to enable us to move forward with a realistic and achievable strategy for funding the system into the future. I shall work with the Education Committee as it analyses all of the options put forward by the Expert Group and hears the voice of all stakeholders and all sides of the debate.

In addition, my Department is working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on a revised System Performance Framework of strategic dialogue with higher education institutions which will establish clear goals for the system for the next 5 years across priority areas such as access, research and developing our pipeline of human capital. My Department, in co-operation with the HEA, is also undertaking a review of current state funding mechanisms to ensure the right tools and incentives are in place to achieve these goals.