James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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312. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the lack of higher education places which, according to the 2017 economic monitor, is contributing to a regional brain drain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34407/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 14,612 full and part time students in Department of Education and Skills funded Higher Education Institutions in the South East region. Data provided by the institutions to the HEA shows that Institute of Technology Carlow currently has 6,820 full and part time students and Waterford Institute of Technology has 7,792. Information provided by the HEA from their student record system indicates that 43.2% of IT Carlow enrolments and 72.3% of Waterford IT enrolments are students from the South-East region.

The Technological University for the South East is an important project for the region and the Kelly report published in 2015 presents a compelling rationale for a new type of higher education institution to support a “step-change” in the economic and social development of the entire South-East region.  Funding is being provided through the Higher Education Authority to support the development of this project.

In terms of capital investment, I recently announced the provision of €960k of capital investment for apprenticeships in the South East. Additionally, the Department has committed to funding the purchase of a strategic site acquisition by Carlow IoT in Wexford. Capital project proposals received from Higher Education Institutions in the South East are currently being assessed in light of competing demands and the limited capital budget for higher education.

The report also notes the role of Springboard+ and it is open to the institutions to submit proposals for consideration. However, this is a competitive process and institutions are assessed on a range of issues.  I would also point out that online only courses have increased from 10% of places in 2011 to 15% in 2016 – giving access to courses from anywhere in the country.

While not referenced by the WIT academics in their report, the Education and Training Board sector is also providing significant opportunities for learners in the South-East.  Across full time, part-time and community education, within the FET sector this year, the following will be provided:-

Waterford Wexford – investment of €46.4m – 19,206 planned beneficiaries

Carlow Kilkenny ETB – investment of €17.3m – 9,225 planned beneficiaries

Tipperary – investment of €16.9m – 10,739 beneficiaries

Information on FET programmes can now be accessed via the recently launched fetchcourses.ie website.

In addition, the report does not make any reference to the important work being undertaken by the Regional Skills Forum for the South East which involves IT Carlow, Waterford IT, LIT Tipperary, Tipperary ETB, Waterford/Wexford ETB, Kilkenny/Carlow ETB, Skillnets, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Chambers of Commerce, Local Enterprise Offices, IBEC, Construction Industry Federation and Industry representatives including Unum Ireland.

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For the first time in nine years, I have secured additional funding for the Higher Education sector. This year an additional €36.5 million will be made available to the sector with €160 million additional over the next three years. In addition, in Budget 2017, the Minister for Public Expenditure and I announced a policy review with the aim of designing and implementing a sustainable and predictable multi-annual funding model for higher and further education and training involving increased Employer and Exchequer contributions from 2018. Work is ongoing by the Oireachtas Committee in relation to the Cassells report.  A review of the funding model for higher education (RGAM) is also being carried out and the new model is due to be in place for the 2018 budget allocation.  Completion of the review will underpin delivery across the sector and all regions and will enhance progression on the goals set out in the Action Plan for Education.