Universities can be part of solution Viewpoint

Irish higher education, like so much else of society, has been plunged into uncharted waters since the arrival of Covid-19. By most measures, it has adapted well. However, an even greater challenge looms, with implications for the sustainability of universities and the quality of teaching and learning.

Universities, in particular, are vulnerable because most of their income is generated privately. Although extra state investment has been provided in recent years, core public funding per student remains 40 per cent less than it was a decade ago. As a result, our top third-level institutions are heavily reliant on the lucrative international student market, tourism and oncampus events to make up the shortfall. Income from all these sources has been wiped out.

Even before the pandemic, the sector was losing ground on its competitors. Underfunding has been compromising the quality of our system as well as the student experience. Universities can make a compelling case for additional core funding. Jobless numbers are growing rapidly and we will need ambitious plans to reskill the workforce.

With appropriate support, higher education has the potential to be part of the solution by upskilling workers and meeting emerging skills gaps. It can also play a key role in developing the knowledge and skills base of the country and fuelling economic growth by supporting job creation.