517. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the full cost of pay awards arising under Government-approved national pay agreements will be provided through recurring core grant funding to higher education institutions in 2027; and whether this will include funding to address recognised legacy shortfalls associated with previous pay agreements. [67956/26]

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.

Where funding increases are required to meet the cost of public pay agreements, my Department is notified by DPER as part of the annual estimates 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 next Budget, 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.