Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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We are all well aware of the profound impact that Covid-19 has had globally over the past year. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 presented unique challenges across the Higher Education, Further Education and research sectors. Early on, a review was conducted by my Department in consultation with the Higher Education Authority and Institutes, Further Education and Training stakeholders to ascertain the impact of the crisis on the sectors.

Following on from this review, €216m of Voted expenditure was allocated specifically for Covid supports in 2020.

- €91.9m to enable a safe return to work and the re-opening of the Further and Higher Sectors, as well as supporting the Frontline response. This was for the transition to remote and distanced working, and to cover costs of utilising buildings for testing centres and field hospitals.

- €76.5m to support students and learners, especially protecting access to education for those in vulnerable or target groups.

- €48m to protect and support Irish research and researchers during the pandemic.

Additionally, €100m of non-Voted expenditure was allocated through the National Training Fund on the National Recovery Response. This includes the July Fiscal Stimulus package for a range of labour market programmes and initiatives through SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland and the Higher Education Authority.

From the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 to the end of the first quarter of 2021, my Department has spent €247m of its 2020 Vote on specific Covid related activities, which includes some €30m of reprioritisation from existing non-Covid allocations to meet the needs of the pandemic. This reprioritisation was partly possible due to some pandemic savings, as a result of provision of services being affected or delayed because of restrictions that were used to meet some other Covid-19 related costs during the year.

My Department has also spent €65m of its non-Voted allocation through the National Training Fund on Covid interventions.

In 2021, my Department has been allocated €139m for Covid supports so far: €20m of Voted expenditure, with an additional non-voted allocation of €119m provided through the National Training Fund.

As with other Covid-19 related spending, funding for the academic year in 2021/2022 will be reviewed in 2021 in line with the latest public health advice. It is likely that Covid will continue to impact on the provision and sustainability of services into the 2021/2022 term. The Higher Education Authority is currently conducting a detailed examination of Covid related impacts in the higher education institutions and reviewing the implications for the projected financial positions of institutions. The Department will continue to assess the situation and liaise with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.