{
  "id": 15431169,
  "title": "Minister questions university funding gap figure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/minister-questions-university-funding-gap-figure",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T14:43:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1018/1595865-university-funding-gap/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister James Lawless has expressed concern over a funding gap of €250 million for Irish universities, which is ten times the previous figure of €25 million. Speaking to RTÉ's This Week, Lawless said it is difficult to provide pre-budget submissions so close to the Budget. The gap in core funding for Irish universities was identified as €307 million in 2022, and the Government agreed to close it over successive budgets at a rate of €25 million per year. However, the gap has now expanded to €250 million when pay and pensions are included. Lawless mentioned that he has already provided almost €200 million in pay awards and pension deficit resolutions. Despite this, the Minister emphasized that he is committed to closing the funding gap for Irish universities. The demand for higher education is expected to grow by 19% over the next few years, but State funding per student has decreased by 34% in real terms over the same period. This funding gap is particularly acute for international students, as unexpected visa refusals could result in a loss of millions of euros in student fees for universities.",
  "summary": "Minister for Higher and Further Education James Lawless has said the demand from Irish universities for €250 million to bridge a core funding gap is \"significantly in excess\" of the previously agreed figure.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}