Fianna Fáil is calling for a creation of a new Government department focusing solely on higher-level education.

Party leader Micheál Martin is warning that Ireland's third-level system has been marginalised for far too long and is now at a "moment of truth."

He told delegates at an Irish Universities Association (IUA) event this morning higher education is crucial to Ireland's economic development.

"[I am] trying to make investment in higher education central to the political debate because it has been marginalised now for far too long yet historically it has been the driver of our economic development and in the future will be the driver of our economic development," he said.

He said huge work needs to be done to modernise Ireland's primary and second-level systems and  address issues like diversity and inclusion and warned that creating the new department might be the "only way to guarantee both a real priority for this area and to provide strategic leadership."

"Areas like special needs education in mainstream settings barely existed twenty years ago and today involve tens of thousands of people," he said.

"Similarly the demand to modernise curricula, provide new places and tackle exclusion mean that there is packed education agenda before you can even consider higher education and research."

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin at the Irish Universities Association 'Future of Ireland' series of talks, 17-07-2019. Image: Jason Clarke.

The Fianna Fáil leader said there is an "undeniable funding crisis" within the third level system with institutes unable to plan for the future due a lack of certainty on year-to-year funding.

"We have to end the permanent insecurity about what each year will bring," he said.

"How can institutions be expected to manage staff and implement long-term plans if they lack basic financial security?

"Funding needs to be based on a transparent approach to providing the resources necessary to deliver quality education."

Deputy Martin said proper investment in the new department could eventually see it become self-sustaining in terms of its size and budget and would provide Ireland's third-level and research sector with senior political and administrative leadership for the first time.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation at IUA and Prof Brian MacCraith, Chair of IUA and President of DCU, 17-07-2019. Image: Jason Clarke

IUA Director General Jim Miley said: "I welcome Micheál's comments that there is an undeniable funding crisis and the need for greater state contribution on core funding."

"It is positive to see the recognition Micheál expressed on the demands the increasing demographic bulge will place on higher education in the immediate future."

Deputy Martin was speaking at the Irish Universities Association 'Future of Ireland' series of talks.

Main image shows Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation at IUA and Prof Brian MacCraith, Chair of IUA and President of DCU, 17-07-2019. Image: Jason Clarke