The IUA has today launched its 2026 Pre-Budget submission which outlines its key priorities for Government to support Ireland’s future by strengthening talent development and research infrastructure.
At a time when higher education systems worldwide are under threat from funding crises and attacks on academic freedom, the Irish government’s commitment to higher education is welcome. This commitment must now be matched by investment to secure Ireland’s long-term strength and align budgetary choices with national resilience and economic renewal. As global change accelerates and pressure mounts on Ireland’s economic model, universities are a vital strategic national asset—supporting today’s learners, developing tomorrow’s leaders, driving research, and delivering the talent and innovation that will drive and sustain Ireland’s global competitiveness.
Modernising research capacity is critical to securing Ireland’s future in the global knowledge economy. The evidence is clear: euro for euro, public research investment delivers greater economic and societal returns than traditional infrastructure.
Dr Lisa Keating, interim Director General at the IUA said;
“This year’s budget must make up lost ground and address long-standing shortfalls in core funding—including the underfunding of government-agreed national pay awards. Student–staff ratios remain well below EU and OECD standards, and major investment is needed in modern teaching environments, digital and research capacity, and essential student services. Budget 2026 must recognise that investing in higher education and research fuels innovation and the knowledge economy. At a time when government must do more on every front, talent development and research are key drivers of growth, expanding the state’s ability to deliver across all national priorities.”
The IUA is calling on Government to prioritise a set of policy measures in Budget 2026 to accelerate research investment and close historical funding gaps.
Key priorities for Budget 2026:
An overall investment package of €378 million in 2026 to include:-
- An additional €45m to sustain momentum in closing the €307 million gap in core funding
- Full funding for the cost of pay awards and demographic growth in 2026 in line with commitments in Funding the Future.
- €120 million as part of a 5-year investment programme to renew and expand Ireland’s research infrastructure critical to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.
Additionally, the IUA is also calling for a €112 million supplementary budget in 2025 to cover 2025 pay awards shortfalls and for 4,500 additional unfunded students enrolled since 2023.
Ireland’s universities are ready to help deliver the Programme for Government’s vision—but Budget 2026 must provide the investment needed to realise their full potential.
The IUA’s full Pre-Budget submission can be found here
Ends.