1492. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if supplementary funding will be provided in 2026 to address recognised legacy shortfalls in funding for public sector pay awards in the higher education sector; the estimated value of any such outstanding shortfall; and the measures planned to address these costs on a recurring basis through core grant funding. [64617/26]

The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPER) have lead responsibility for managing public service pay and conditions, in the context of the overall management of the public finances and the budgetary process.

My officials continue to work with their counterparts in DPER, and with the HEA and the higher education sector, to ensure that the funding provided is consistent with the anticipated cost increases arising from public pay agreements.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on budget allocations will be made in the context of Government decision-making on the fiscal and expenditure framework for 2027 and beyond. However, following a Government Decision on April 20 to levy Government Departments, my Department is required to put in place plans to deliver savings and efficiencies equal to maintaining expenditure at the levy limits set by the Department of Public Expenditure. This levy will impact on the quantum of funding available to me to deliver on key Government priorities for the higher education sector in the coming period.

While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the upcoming Budget or the subsequent supplementary estimates process, I can nevertheless assure the Deputy that I will continue to argue for further enhancements to the sustainable funding of higher education in the forthcoming Estimates process.