'Significant Increase' Needed In Undergraduate Education Funding - SIPTU

Undergraduate level education needs significant investment following the failure of any Irish institution to make the top 200 of the Times Higher Education world university rankings, according to SIPTU the union.

SIPTU Education Sector Organiser, Karl Byrne, said: "The Times Higher Education world university rankings is regarded as the most influential list of top performing third level institutions in the world. It is deeply disappointing and reputationally damaging that no Irish university has made it into the top 200 in this year’s list.

"Such a failure means that Irish universities will face greater problems attempting to attract research investment and overseas students. These issues will damage the ability of the sector to perform and in the long run undermine our society and economy. Urgent action must be taken to stop the rot in our university sector."

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, John King, added: "The continued slide of Irish universities in global rankings harms these institutions and the prospects of those who work and study in them.

"Increased Government investment is needed to revitialise our undergraduate education sector. This area has been very adversely affected by the years of austerity and must now be funded adequately."

(MH/CD)