Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their excellent contributions. It is helpful to have so many faculties and areas represented, from engineering to social sciences, drama and philosophy. We have students from DCU coming in later to talk to us. I thank all the delegates for respecting the time parameters so closely. Every day is incredibly busy for this committee and we could spend hours discussing the various issues with witnesses.

In regard to Brexit, several speakers referred to engaging with the EU on funding such as that available under Horizon 2020. Do the delegates foresee that Brexit will impact on the potential for securing such research funding? Dr. O'Dwyer noted that Irish universities are less attractive to international students, which is part of the ranking issue. Is that likely to change in the context of Brexit?

I was interested in the comments regarding students with learning difficulties or emotional challenges and how they are experiencing particularly negative consequences as a result of lecturers being so stretched. That issue was brought to our attention at our meeting of 10 November with the presidents of the institutes of technology. Is there scope for other State supports, such as the health services, to link in more effectively and efficiently with the universities on mental health?

Dr. McMullan spoke about the challenges of developing new innovative programmes that are compatible with furthering the economic and social well-being of our country. I am getting the sense the same applies across other universities.

Professor Gilchrist said equality of access did not always mean equality of opportunity. I could not agree more. He has outlined some of the areas there. He also spoke about the wider spread of mathematical ability. There has been a focus on the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, subjects and raising students' mathematical capabilities. Perhaps he could tell us about his experience in recent years regarding this issue among undergraduates. Professor Gilchrist said his department has nine taught masters programmes, which is a tenfold increase from one programme ten years ago. However, he also said there were fewer postgraduate students. I am sure there is a good rationale or explanation for it.

It is great to see Galway supporting integration in such a positive way linking in with the communities. All our universities should do this. While it is not feasible or possible for everybody, it is great to see universities and third level institutes playing a meaningful role in it. Professor O'Donnell said public education should be democratic education, and it is true. This concept would get a lot of support from here. I get the sense that the maintenance costs are possibly a greater barrier than the fees charged. We went into it in an earlier session.