Ireland’s current system of free third level education is undoubtedly going to come to an end. We have enjoyed a university education courtesy of the government since fees were abolished in the mid 1990s but with such a bleak economic outlook and university funding having been slashed, it seems as if we are are left with little or no choice in the matter.
The main impetus behind fees is obviously to make capital available to the university which they subsequently invest into developing the infrastructure and paying day to day expenses such as the academics’ salaries. But at the moment in Irish universities, due to funding cuts people are beginning to lose their jobs, there is zero investment in infrastructure and class hours are being condensed. This is not what a university education should be based on, budget cuts and mediocrity.
Hence why we need fees to cover these costs and to help bring our colleges up to international standards. It is common practice around the world, most notably in the USA, a country that has the highest concentration of top universities in the world. Should we not try to mimic systems like this and begin producing students that can compete with the high calibre of graduate that they produce?
Irish students need to be informed that they could potentially receive an improved education, one that could compete with those from the USA or the UK. We need to stop being so vehemently opposed payment of fees for our education and think about it in the long term, as an investment rather than an expense.
-Post by Michael Moran student of European studies at University College Cork, currently studying in Bordeaux III.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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1 comments on "Third level reform in Ireland."
I totally agree with you Mike. Ireland needs a system third level education which is capable of competing on a global basis. Our cost base has ballonned during the last ten years dictating that we can no longer rely on a cost advantage to attract investment, but rather must turn towards creating a competitive advantage founded on the quality of our graduates.
The manner which the government approaches this problem however must be carefully managed. The re- implementation of univeral fees is, somewhat rightly, being met with widespread opposition. A system of progressive fees by which the level of fees paid is linked to ability to pay would seem to be the most equitable solution. The current participation rate of over 50% is one of the legacies of the last ten years that we should be keen to preserve. An across the board increase of the capitation payement(a registration fee) is not only regressive but will also fail to provide the necessary funding (€35m,per annum according to the irish Minister for Education).
The Irish government has presided over a decrease in government funding of the past ten years. This negligence during a time of immense prosperity does not bode well for the future of Irish third level education.
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