Preisdent of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Chair of the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) Professor Vincent Cunnane, welcomes Budget 2025 as an opportunity for Higher Education Institutions to plan on a multi-annual basis, thanks to the increased funding available via the National Training Fund, while increasing potential access to Higher Education (HE) through the reduction in student fees.
Professor Cunnane said: “Budget 2025 places a welcome focus on Higher Education, with the cut in student fees supporting access to Higher Education, while the addition of NTF funding in the sector allows Higher Education Institutions to plan on a multi-annual basis. This has long been sought by THEA.
“The overall funding trajectory has turned upwards and we welcome a package that includes NTF funding for the core activities of universities, moving towards meeting the needs of students and industry.
“While this is a lower level of funding than had been envisaged in Funding the Future, it crucially provides line of sight over a six-year horizon and allows universities to plan on a multi-annual basis. Alongside the NTF funding, the provision of €102 million for centrally-negotiated pay awards is very positive, as is the commitment to increase this by €10 million annually.”