Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has published its Report on the Future Funding of Higher Education

6 Iúil 2022, 17:13

The Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has published its Report on the Future Funding of Higher Education in which it makes a series of recommendations following examination of the issue.

Speaking on the report, Deputy Paul Kehoe TD, Cathaoirleach of the Committee said “the Committee recognised that Higher Education in Ireland has been one of the cornerstones that has led to the development of a modern, progressive country with a highly educated work force.”

Deputy Kehoe said “I strongly believe that human talent in the broadest sense will be a key to the future development and prosperity of Ireland. Higher Education will be one of the keys that unlocks that potential and enables Ireland to engage in research and innovation to the highest levels on the international stage.”

The Deputy added “The Committee met with crucial stakeholders including relevant academics, Higher Education Management Bodies, Government Agencies, relevant Trade Unions, Mental Health Support Organisations and Student Counselling Representative Bodies; Chairs of the new Technological Universities (TU)s and Craft and New Generation Apprentices. Mr. Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science also briefed the Committee on his plans to increase funding and where it will be targeted.”

Deputy Kehoe said “As a result of this, the Committee examined the evidence heard and the submissions received and drew up this Report containing concrete and feasible recommendations. The Joint Committee requests that the issues raised in this report be the subject of a debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas.”

Read the report here

Below are the Ten Key Report Recommendations, listed by order in which they appear in the main body of the Report. They are all of equal value.

The current funding divide of 60/40 in favour of the traditional Universities, is neither fair nor sustainable. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) should develop a new Model by mid 2023, to include:
Funding allocations based on the number of students enrolled in a Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Core/Base Funding for each HEI on a multi-annual basis from the Exchequer with increased contributions from Employers through the National Training Fund (NTF). 
Ring Fenced Funding, as required, for individual HEIs with positive discrimination towards Technological Universities who have been in receipt of lesser funding to date. The model of funding should have accountable measures across all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for excellence in teaching, learning & research with additional supports as required for Technological Universities (TUs). Also, it should support equality, diversity, and inclusion at third level.

While Philanthropic and Private Funding should be supported, the State should move towards a European Model where tertiary education is viewed as a State Asset and funded primarily by the Exchequer. Future Funding of Higher Education should be based on the principle that it is a right for all citizens and a key investment in the future. Accessibility to further and higher education is crucial for all age groups, with flexible options to support part-time or online courses for lifelong learners.

The current inability of Technological Universities (TU)s to borrow money on the financial markets is both unfair and unsustainable and puts them at a clear disadvantage. The enabling legislation should be enacted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) so that borrowing can commence by end of 2022. The borrowing capacity could be used for a wide range of purposes including student housing, infrastructure and research and development expansion.

An Expert Working Group on Human Talent in the Technological Universities should be established by the Higher Education Authority. The Group should be chaired by an External Expert and be comprised of Senior Department and Higher Education Authority (HEA) Officials, Irish Universities Association (IUA), Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), Senior TU Human Resources staff, Industry Representatives, Staff Unions, Exchequer and Non-Exchequer funding agency representatives, and international best practice experts. The Group would examine, inter alia, academic employment contracts, employment conditions and recruitment and retention policies.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) should provide ring fenced funding to the Technological Universities (TU)s, as necessary, to ensure there is sufficient physical capacity and lecturer capability to deliver on the increased numbers of Craft and New Generation Apprentices. To this end:

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Emergency should provide Short Term Funding to bridge the gap.
From 2023, the Department should provide Multi Annual Funding through a new Apprenticeship Fund.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) should commence a Review of the Craft and New Generation Apprenticeship Building Requirements by Q3, 2022, with the aim of delivering the buildings required to ensure Apprentices are educated to the highest international standards within a 3-year period.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science should initiate a Review of the SUSI grant system with a view to introducing a Reformed System by end of 2022. This should include, inter alia, cost of living assessment, the need to take all financial means and assets into account, awarding grants where most needed and full transparency.

An Emergency Task Force on Student Accommodation should be established by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It should comprise Senior Officials from the relevant Government Departments, the Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA), the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and the Housing Finance Agency.

An Expert Working Group on Pathways from Further Education to Higher Education should be established by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The Group should be chaired by an External Expert and be comprised of Senior Department and Higher Education Authority (HEA) Officials, the Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), SOLAS, Industry Representatives and Staff Unions. The Group should identify current opportunities and barriers to progression from Further to Higher Education and establish how to develop links between both sectors that allow for more seamless progression. It should also review the opportunity to develop follow-on qualifications from QQI Level 5 in each course sector onto Higher Education courses.

The issues of Staffing Levels and Precarious Employment in both the traditional and Technological Universities need to be reviewed urgently or by end of 2022 at the latest, by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in liaison with the Universities. Staffing Levels have not increased in line with extra students, courses and increased services provided by Third Level Institutes and, so, there needs to be an analysis / workforce plan of staffing requirements to restore staff levels. In addition, the Employment Control Framework is completely arbitrary and needs to be abolished. The aim must be to ensure there are sufficient staff at all grades to deal with the projected increase of students, extra courses and increased services. Regarding Precarious Employment, the Review should include an examination of Hourly Paid Academic Contracts, Researchers, Postgraduate Workers and outsourcing of Support staff roles.

All Higher Education Institutions (HEI)s should be designated as Colleges of Sanctuary by University of Sanctuary Ireland (UoSI).
 

 

Fiosrúcháin ó na meáin

Stephen Higgins

Tithe an Oireachtais,

Oifigeach Cumarsáide,

Teach Laighean, 

Baile Átha Cliath 2

+353 (0) 1 618 4743

+353 (0) 85 801 3096

stephen.higgins@oireachtas.ie

pressoffice@oireachtas.ie

Twitter: @OireachtasNews

Barr
Roinn