University funding under pressure

University Presidents in Ireland have expressed serious concern about the statement from the new Education Minister that they have to absorb payroll cuts of 3% in their institutions on top of the already tight constraints of basic core funding. This item features on the front of the Irish Times today and in their editorial, highlighting that school level education is being protected against cutbacks but HE and the vocational sector are not despite the identified key role of the former in much of government development strategy. Whilst there may well be another round of special funding for research (under the PRTLI scheme) this does not address the mainstream activity, services and teaching and learning aspects.