Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2025
282. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total Government funding provided for third level research activities in each of the past five years; the Government’s target for increased funding level over coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36331/25]
View answerThe Higher Education R&D (HERD) Survey examines expenditure on research and development activities within the higher education sector, comprising publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland. The HERD Survey is completed on a biennial basis.
The most recent published detailed analysis relates to 2022-2023 and is available on the Department’s website at: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/higher-education-research-development-survey-2022-2023.pdf
Results from the 2024 survey are undergoing analysis and will be published in 2026.
In 2022, direct and indirect government spend on research and development in third level institutions amounted to €600m. A breakdown of research and development expenditure in the higher education sector in each of the past five years in the table below. Figures up to 2024 are included with odd year figures and those for 2024 estimated based on available data. The 2024 HERD survey is due to be finalised over the coming period with an expected publication date in 2026.
|
Expenditure |
2019 (est) |
2020 |
2021(est) |
2022 |
2023 (est) |
2024 (est) |
|
Total HERD |
715 |
742 |
773 |
854 |
917 |
984 |
|
Government sector Direct and indirect (€m) |
501 |
518 |
535 |
600 |
644 |
691 |
As part of Budget 2025, a National Training Fund funding package of nearly €1.5 billion over a six-year period was agreed for the tertiary sector. This additional investment will ensure that Ireland remains competitive on the global stage. I am currently progressing legislative changes to extend the scope of the NTF Act to facilitate this new investment.
My Department continues to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation around the National Development Plan, and with our colleagues in Europe on the successor programmes for Horizon Europe within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to promote the essential role of research and innovation as an economic driver in our knowledge economy, and of research talent and excellence, in driving sustainable development and competitiveness for Ireland and for Europe.
