UNIVERSITY FUNDING:THE KEY debate on the future funding of third-level colleges must not be impeded by those adopting "closed ideological positions on important policy questions", Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe warned yesterday.
In a robust defence of his recent comments on the possible return of third-level fees, he said student contributions - which only apply to those who absolutely can afford to pay - was one possibility that merited debate.
"I realise that there are complex and competing considerations around this topic. I do not believe, however, that we should shy away from examining and debating them at this very important juncture in the development of our higher education system.''
Speaking at the Cork Institute of Technology, he said we had an important opportunity in shaping a new strategy for higher education to "set the sector on a direction of development and change that will serve vital national economic and social interests into the future".
"I would be sorry to see that opportunity impeded by the adoption of closed ideological positions on important policy questions at this stage.''
Details of the new National Strategy on Higher Education will be announced shortly.
Both the secretary general of the Department of Education, Brigid McManus, and the chief executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Tom Boland, will be key figures in shaping the new plan.
An expert group, composed of educational and vocational interests, will be appointed, supported by a secretariat which will be led by Fergal Costello, a senior figure in the HEA.
Yesterday the Minister said he would shortly be seeking agreement from Government on draft terms of reference. He anticipated that work would be completed over an 18-month period.
Mr O'Keeffe also confirmed that a forensic audit of third-level spending would take place.
"In developing that strategy it is appropriate that we examine how well our higher education system is performing currently, how well existing resources are being used, and how the system may need to be reconfigured to meet the challenges that lie ahead.''
The general secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers, Mike Jennings, has welcomed the new audit.
Mr Jennings said in recent years academic staff had been forced to take on more administrative duties, taking them away from their core functions of teaching and research.
He described the current third-level system as "creaking at the seams", and called on Mr O'Keeffe to examine how it was being funded.
Mr Jennings said he was pleased to see that the Minister was prepared to look at the "serious problems" within the universities.
