The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has welcomed the strong signal of Government commitment to higher education and research in Budget 2026, the first under Minister James Lawless, describing it as an important step towards strengthening Ireland’s capacity for talent development, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

The IUA particularly welcomes the confirmation of €426m in research investment for 2026 under the revised National Development Plan, including the launch of a major new Research Infrastructure Programme as advocated for by the IUA. This investment will modernise Ireland’s research base and strengthen its ability to deliver world-class research aligned with national priorities and global opportunities.

This significant capital commitment, together with continued progress on system funding for pay and healthcare education will help universities to strengthen Ireland’s talent pipeline and innovation capacity at a time of growing international competition and geopolitical uncertainty.

Commenting on the measures taken, Professor Eeva Leinonen, Chair of the IUA and President of Maynooth University, said:

“Budget 2026 reflects the Government’s confidence in Ireland’s university system and its pivotal role in driving national progress, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. The new investment in research infrastructure and continued progress on system funding are vital to ensuring Ireland remains a leader in talent, innovation, and societal progress.”

While acknowledging the progress made in Budget 2026, the IUA cautioned that legacy shortfalls in core funding remain to be resolved. The €307 million structural shortfall identified under the Funding the Future framework, alongside recognised deficits from prior national pay awards growth, have yet to be fully addressed.

Commenting on the structural deficits, Prof Leinonen said,

“While this Budget makes important strides, universities are operating in an increasingly challenging environment. Continued progress in closing the core funding structural deficits will be essential to secure the quality and resilience of our system as student numbers grow and expectations increase.”

The IUA also acknowledges the permanent €500 reduction in the student contribution fee, together with increases in the income threshold for student supports, which will provide some relief for students and families amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. In what was clearly a tight budgetary context, the IUA recognises the Minister’s effort to prioritise support for learners. However, this also highlights the trade-off facing the sector —ensuring affordability for students must go hand in hand with maintaining a sustainably funded system that can continue to deliver a high-quality education and experience.

Dr Lisa Keating, Acting Director General of the IUA, added:

“Overall, Budget 2026 marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening Ireland’s higher education and research system. Minister Lawless has demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting Ireland’s universities and recognising their central role in national progress. His focus on investing in research capacity, skills development, and student support, in a tight fiscal context, shows clear understanding of the long-term value of higher education and research. However, continued, long-term investment, particularly in core funding, will be essential to secure the sustainability, quality, and global standing of Ireland’s universities in the years ahead.”