University presidents are seeking a salary increase of up to 55 per cent because the nature of the post has changed dramatically in the past decade, they have claimed. Seán Flynn,Education Editor, reports.
In a submission to the Review Body for Higher Remuneration in the Public Service, the seven university presidents say that the pay increase is needed to reflect the more challenging nature of their job.
The submission to the review body was made several months ago by several senior university figures on behalf of the university presidents.
These included Dan Flinter, chairman of the governing authority at NUI Maynooth and Kieran McGowan, chairman of UCD's governing authority. The submission was prepared by the group that represents the seven university presidents, the Irish Universities' Association (IUA).
At present, the college presidents receive an annual salary of €186,000-€205,000. Some, like UCD's Dr Hugh Brady and Dr John Hegarty of Trinity, are also provided with free on-campus accommodation.
Generally, university presidents in the Republic work on a 10-year contract basis. One college president, Dr John Hughes of NUI Maynooth, has made special provision for performance appraisal during his term in office.
Increased State investment in the higher education sector means that college presidents also control a much larger budget. UCD for example receives State funding of close to €180 million for running costs.
But annual State support for the seven universities is augmented by generous funding from the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) and grants from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
Substantially more funding will flow shortly from the forthcoming National Development Plan and the new Government strategy on science.
In recent years, the Government has also come to rely on college presidents to drive the "reform agenda" that has seen universities adjust towards a more pro-business model.
In their submission, the college presidents say their role is now "more akin to that of the corporate chief executive who must develop and drive strategically and position their business to grow and . . . be effectively managed and led".
The university presidents say their total budget has increased from just over €600 million in 1998 to €1.4 billion in 2004. They say their leadership role has become more complex as Irish universities compete increasingly in a global market.