Education

Patrick Prendergast: Lack of funding leaves universities scrambling to sustain themselves

Several third-level institutions are wrestling with financial difficulties

Higher education is an intricate and multifaceted endeavour, which is further complicated by the diverse array of activities undertaken within all universities. Picture: Getty

Ireland’s higher education system is grossly underfunded by international standards, but the current financial crisis in the sector shows that the roosters are coming home to roost.

Universities are struggling to sustain themselves on current finances, and it is evident that this problem lies in insufficient public funding for higher education.

Taoiseach Simon Harris, the former higher education minister, openly admitted that an additional annual €307 million is needed to meet funding challenges in universities– ...