Irish universities are increasingly losing the battle against international competitors recruiting directly the brightest students from Irish schools, it has been claimed.
A submission to the OECD from the Combined Heads of Irish Universities (CHIU) said funding for Irish universities had started to fall significantly behind spending in other states.
Meanwhile, a submission from the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) suggested corporations should have a levy imposed on their profits to fund higher education because of the benefits they gain from the sector.
The CHIU document, which has been passed to the Paris-based OECD, said there was an "unprecedented level and trend of competition for students and staff" around the world. The OECD is reviewing the higher education sector in the Republic for the Government.
"The ability of the sector to excel in terms of its international competitiveness is a critical success factor," said CHIU, which represents the State's seven universities.
The group said universities had shown a willingness to collaborate in efforts to develop excellence.
"Increasing importance is being given to international students as a proportion of university enrolment as a benchmark of international standing. The pressure of domestic demand and the scarcity of capital investment have impeded the internationalisation of Irish universities," said its submission.
"In the internationally competitive market for top-class staff the attractiveness of Irish universities is undermined by inadequate and inconsistent State financing for core activities and facilities."
In emphatic language, the group accuses the Government of neglecting the sector. "The best institutions abroad have more investment, more autonomy and operate to best practices standards. Irish universities are in direct competition for the best students from first-class overseas universities who are recruiting aggressively in Irish schools."
CHIU has proposed that a high-powered national planning council should be set up to formulate a five-year plan for higher and further education.
This body would co-ordinate, promote and monitor policies across all higher and further education institutions, relevant departments, agencies and services. "The national planning council should provide for high-level representation from business/industry, social partners, cultural/arts and other key interests, relevant government Departments and agencies," it said.
Meanwhile, the TUI also circulated its submission to the OECD yesterday. It said it was logical and reasonable to expect that corporations "should contribute more than they do at present to the financing of the higher education system from which they directly benefit.
"Rather than increase corporation tax we would suggest that a levy be applied to the profits of these corporations that are generated in Ireland - the money raised to be used either to fund their own employees' participation in higher education or, if not utilised for that purpose, to contribute to a dedicated fund for the enhancement of higher education provision, with particular emphasis on access and research."