Budget 2017 announced that work is to commence on a new multi-annual funding model for higher education. For 2017, the published estimates show a 4% increase in the allocation for higher education. IUA Chair, Professor Don Barry said: “for the first time in almost a decade, we are seeing a turn in the tide of higher education funding. After years of cutbacks, this is a significant step forward.” The increase of €36.5 million across all of higher education is part of a three year plan to invest an additional €160 million in the sector. IUA CEO Ned Costello said, “this additional injection of funding is welcome, as is the further commitment to develop a more comprehensive long term funding model”. Prof Barry said: “we welcome the fact that the sustainability of higher education is now firmly on the agenda. The Cassells report clearly sets out the scale of the challenge and the potential solutions. We look forward to working with Minister Bruton and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills in creating the conditions that will deliver the quality education system which we all aspire to”.
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