In the 2014/15 academic year, there were just over 18,000 core staff across the higher education system (whole-time equivalents). This figure encompasses some 9,800 academic staff and 8,300 non-academic staff. These figures do not include contract research staff. There were just over 190,000 students (whole-time equivalents) enrolled in 2014/15 giving an average academic staff:student ratio across the higher education system is 1:19.6.
The following table provides estimated costings for reducing the academic staff:student ratio. These costings are based on 2014/15 student numbers and on a continuation of the current academic:non-academic staffing ratio of 1:0.85. An average salary (including PRSI costs) of €63,000 has been used.
Costings for reducing the Academic Staff: Student Ratio:
Reduce by 1
|
€61 million
|
Reduce by 2
|
€130 million
|
Reduce by 3
|
€207 million
|
Reduce by 4
|
€293 million
|
Reduce by 5
|
€392 million
|