Written answers

Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Third Level Funding

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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149. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has read a position paper (details supplied) on the funding of higher education regarding the effects a loan scheme would have on students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/17]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard 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 the Future Funding for Higher Education sets out a number of funding options for the sector with income contingent loans being just one of those options. Other options include a predominantly State-funded system or a State-funded system supplemented with continuing student fees. The Report is currently with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration where each of the funding models will be examined and the process will include input from all stakeholders. I understand the Union of Students in Ireland are one of the groups who have made a submission.

Following on from the report as the Minister for Education and Skills I have already acted to secure increased funding in  Budget 2017 of €36.5m for higher education and to make further provision in the Department’s expenditure ceiling for 2018 and 2019, which, cumulatively, represents an additional €160m investment by the Exchequer in higher education in the period 2017 – 2018.

In addition, the Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are currently completing a public consultation process on a proposed Exchequer-Employer investment mechanism for higher education and further education and training. The proposal under consultation seeks to deliver up to an additional €200m per annum by 2020 through an increase in the National Training Fund levy. 

Moreover, as I have stated previously appropriate technical work will be undertaken, including the examination of relevant literature of which there is a wide range, in relation to the option set out in the Expert Group report on deferred payment of student fees through income contingent student loan schemes. The aim of such technical work is to inform future policy options including in the light of recommendations from the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills.

This comprehensive approach is being taken in order to contribute to the development of a long-term sustainable funding model for the sector.  As such, it will be important to build broad political and societal consensus on achieving the most appropriate future funding model and my Department and I continue to work to that end.

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