Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1082. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total allocated capital investment since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31834/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was formed in summer 2020. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS)’s Vote, Vote 45, came into effect at the Further Revised Estimates 2020. As part of the 2020 Estimates process, functions relating to further and higher education were transferred from Vote 26 (Education & Skills), along with associated funding relating to the full 2020 financial year. In 2020 my Department was allocated €192m net capital expenditure.

To note that the 2020 figure of €192m does not include any capital funding for research, innovation and science associated with functions transferred from Vote 32 (Business, Enterprise and Innovation) on 1 January 2021. In 2021, my Department was allocated €498m in net capital expenditure, including research, innovation and science.

My Department is investing in a number of programmes and projects to advance the delivery of the ambitions for Ireland’s further and higher education sectors. These projects will expand capacity in further and higher education institutions, will support a pipeline of talent and skills aligned with national and regional needs, and will also upgrade existing infrastructure to improve the campus environment – taking account of energy efficiency, as well as best practice in teaching and learning. As this past year as shown, research plays a crucial role and has a positive impact across our society. My Department is investing in a number of projects that will encourage society as a whole to engage in Research and Science. These projects will provide an increased focus on research and innovation and will inform how we respond to the challenges we are facing today and will be a key driver of our future society.

The published Estimates for my Department’s Vote provides information regarding capital expenditure and may be of assistance to the Deputy.