Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

539. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure access to institutions of education for students in view of media reports that University College Dublin will be reducing the number of places available for Irish students in reaction to funding issues. [27927/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) provides funding to Higher Education Institutions on the basis of the number of students enrolled.

The HEA does not place a ceiling on the number of students in higher education. There have been significant increases in student numbers over the last number of years with expected further increases projected in line with student demand.

In the context of Budget 2017, I gave a commitment to a three year package of increased higher education investment, and the inclusion within that of an allowance for increased demographics, and this will help to facilitate the continued provision by the sector in line with need.