Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1352. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of each two point reduction in the academic staff-to-student ratio for universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20715/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that in accordance with the methodology used in the Institutional Profiles (published by the Higher Education Authority) the current academic staff:student ratio in Universities is recorded at 20:1.
This is calculated based on the 2019/20 enrolment figures for full time equivalent (FTE) students (full and part time) to all academic staff as at 31 Dec 2019.
A two point reduction would require an additional 650 academic staff at an estimated cost of €42.250m per annum.
