Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
915. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the Government's strategy for the funding of higher education is predicated on continued growth in international student fee income; whether the Department has assessed the vulnerability of higher education institutions to a downturn in international student demand; and the findings of any such assessment. [68551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Funding the Future Framework, published in May 2022, sets out a long-term vision for the funding of higher education and the manner in which it can support students, employers and wider society. The Framework identified a requirement for an additional €307 million in core funding to support enhanced performance, strategic reform and improved quality outcomes across the sector.
Since the publication of Funding the Future, an additional €174 million has been secured through Exchequer and employer funding. In addition, there is a commitment to provide a further €100 million by 2030 from the National Training Fund (NTF). It is anticipated that further Exchequer funding will be secured through future Estimates processes to support the delivery of Government commitments, including priority areas such as the expansion of healthcare places and the development of tertiary programmes.
With regard to international students, Global Citizens 2030: Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy, which was published in January 2024,sets a target of 10% growth in the number of international learners, researchers and innovators by 2030, relative to the baseline figure of circa 35,000 from the 2022/23 academic year.This growth is intended to be managed in a sustainable manner through greater alignment of planning for domestic and international cohorts, while maintaining an appropriate balance across disciplines, programme levels, modes of delivery, regions and source countries.
As part of its oversight role, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) engages annually with the seventeen publicly funded higher education institutions. These Budget and Accountability meetings, together with reviews of institutional budget submissions, annual financial statements and regular financial reports, form a key part of the HEA's financial oversight framework. This engagement provides valuable insights into the financial position of institutions and the key challenges and risks facing the sector.
My Department continues to work closely with the HEA and the higher education sector to identify emerging issues and consider appropriate measures to mitigate risks as they arise. This engagement informs the Department's assessment of funding needs and supports ongoing efforts to make the case for additional investment in higher education through the annual Estimates process.
