From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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In May 2022, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science published its policy on the future of third level education in Ireland.
The Funding our Future policy confirmed the Government’s intention to increase the funding given to third level institutions and to reduce the cost of education.
The policy committed to developing an annual options assessment outlining measures to reduce the cost of education.
In 2022, the paper focussed in the main on measures around the Student Grant Scheme and student contribution.
In 2023, the paper was expanded to include options on cost reduction across Further & Higher Education, Research and Apprenticeships. The paper also provided an overview of ongoing work in relation to Student Accommodation.
To inform the Department’s 2024 options paper, and for the second year in a row, an in-person Stakeholder Event was held on 11th April 2024 in Portlaoise where approximately 130 people attended. In attendance were students, representatives of the student population, access officers, student services employees, people who work with students on a day-to-day basis and organisations who advocate for underrepresented students in education. It served as an opportunity for all to have their say on what should be included in this year’s annual options paper.
Several questions were put to attendees during the event.
Participants indicated that the most impactful measures in Budget 2024 were:
When asked what measure should be prioritised to reduce the cost of education the following were highlighted as the most significant by people:
The biggest challenges outlined to accessing education include:
Other feedback included:
This options assessment is intended to identify costs and potential impacts, by the Department and is published without prejudice to eventual Government decisions.
Estimate costings are provided for each individual option, however, should two or more options be actioned, this may lead to an increase in demand and accordingly costs.
Where changes to the Student Grant Scheme are costed, these do not include costings for operation costs.
A quick access guide to costings is included at Appendix 1, however, this should be read in conjunction with the main commentary for assumptions.
