Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
939. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to comment on the HEA's 2026 budget & accountability report for higher education institutions, and in particular in relation to the reference to institutions reporting significantly heightened financial fragility (details supplied). [53568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the functions of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) include powers to ensure the financial health and accountability of higher education institutions through annual meetings, financial statement reviews, and budget submissions. The HEA also holds in-person meetings with all 17 core-funded institutions annually to identify any potential sector-wide risks. Budget submissions include detailed outturns and financial projections, encompassing risk assessments, borrowing limits, and capital projects.
Under the Annual Oversight Agreements, institutions must plan for financial viability and promptly notify the HEA of any material adverse risks. Compliance with this agreement is a mandatory funding condition required to fulfil obligations under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 and with the Department of Public Expenditure’s Circular 13/2014.
The HEA’s Budget and Accountability report is a snapshot in time which provides an indicator of the financial health of individual higher education institutions and of the wider sector.
I have received a copy of the 2026 report, and my officials are currently examining the contents in more detail so that it can inform considerations in the context of this year’s estimates process.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters relating to the estimates process. However, I can assure the Deputy that I will be looking to achieve the best possible outcome for the higher education sector in this year’s budget so that they can continue to grow to their full potential.
