Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed by the anaemic detail provided in the Minister's response. There is a real crisis in our third level sector. As pointed out by Mr. Boland in his commentary, there has been a 15% increase in third level student numbers over the past five years and alongside that, a 12% reduction in staff numbers. Overall, there was a 24% reduction, per student, in State funding during that period, leading to real pressures across the college system and a deterioration in pupil-teacher ratios. Undoubtedly, this has put massive pressure on the sector and has affected the quality of third level education. Meanwhile, the Government refuses to address this issue, to be up-front about it or even acknowledge it. As in the case of other issues, this can is being kicked down the road. The Government has sought reports previously from the Higher Education Authority but has failed to act on them.

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