The Joint Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science chaired by Deputy Erin McGreehan met on Thursday 15th October at 9:30am for engagement on Funding for Third-Level Institutions in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House.
The meeting heard from representatives from IUA, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and University College Cork.
Key issues discussed at the Committee hearing included:
- Investment in additional academic staff
- Strategic use of National Training Fund resources
- Measures to strengthen Ireland’s international competitiveness in higher education
- Opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, research commercialisation and indigenous enterprise development
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Erin McGreehan said:
“In the course of our work and meetings, the Committee has heard from various stakeholders that growing student populations, inflationary pressures and rising operating costs are placing increasing strain on teaching, student services, research activity and campus infrastructure across Ireland. Thursday’s meeting will allow us to hear how universities continue to make a significant contribution to Ireland’s economic, social and regional development. They are key to our national infrastructure, producing the graduates, researchers and innovators essential to Ireland’s future prosperity.”
Individual Statements
