I propose to take Questions Nos. 893 and 896 together.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services 2025 and the allocations under my Department’s B4 subhead.
The B4 subhead is used to fund current activities in higher education institutions. The provision of higher education funding on an annual basis, is part of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy of the Government.
In considering the specific matters raised, it is important to distinguish between recurrent funding allocations and the impact of supplementary or temporary provisions. Each year, my Department receives a core recurrent allocation that is considered as part of the annual Budget negotiations.
The principal reason for the reduction in total funding to the RIA in 2023 over 2022 is a decrease in funding allocated towards the National Open Research Forum (NORF) of €1,150,000. Core funding to RIA increased by €579,000 and Capital funding increased by €200,000 over the same period.