Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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28. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on his role with the Minister for Education and Skills in the design and operation of the proposed Exchequer-employer investment mechanism for third level education to operate from 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30777/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I stated in the Dáil in my speech on the Estimates 2017, the Government are very conscious of the importance of the higher education sector and the vital role it plays in our society and economy.  We are also conscious of the pressing need to ensure a more sustainable, long-term funding model for the entire Higher and Further Education sector.

To that end, I announced that the Minister for Education and Skills and I were initiating a policy review and consultation process on the design and operation of such a model to operate from 2018 onwards, to include consideration of an Exchequer-Employer investment mechanism.  As well as ensuring sustainable funding, this review is intended to support the ongoing drive for reform, quality enhancement and performance improvement across the Higher and Further Education sector, in line with the objectives of the Action Plan for Education and the National Skills Strategy.

This work will build on the Cassells report published earlier this year, which pointed to the availability of three funding sources: the Exchequer, students and some form of employer contribution.

I will be engaging shortly with the Minister for Education and Skills, with a view to agreeing the specific details for the review and consultation process.  I expect proposals for the new funding model to be brought to Government by mid-2017.  Further details of the process will be provided when available.