Oireachtas committee to examine third-level funding pressures

Funding pressures facing Ireland’s third-level institutions will come under scrutiny when an Oireachtas committee meets at 12.30pm on Thursday, 12 November, in Committee Room 1 at Leinster House.

The Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, chaired by Deputy Erin McGreehan, will hear from representatives of:

• Teachers’ Union of Ireland
• Irish Federation of University Teachers
• Postgraduate Workers' Organisation
• SIPTU
• Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn

Ahead of the meeting, McGreehan said previous witnesses had described how inflation and rising operating costs were putting pressure on teaching, student services, research and campus infrastructure across Ireland. The committee will seek further evidence on the continuing gap in core funding and how underinvestment may affect students through higher fees and reduced services. Members also want to examine the strain on universities and technological institutions. Representatives will be asked how sustained multiannual investment could improve staffing and support research careers. McGreehan said: “The Committee is fully aware of the importance of a well-funded and sustainable tertiary education system in supporting economic development, innovation, public services and regional growth within Ireland.”