Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support the call made by Senator Ross for a debate on third level education. If this funding is to lead to increased competition within the colleges for funds, it will only highlight the current inadequacy of funding by the Government. It will also lead to the demise of certain faculties in the universities, especially the humanities. There is, without doubt, a concentrated effort by industry and by the Government towards research and development in the universities. This has been very successful in bringing in funds from outside sources. However, some academics have claimed that it has been at the expense of arts and the humanities. The Minister should move quickly to rectify any adverse situation that could arise from such a development. The OECD indicated clearly a 10% cutback in funding for current expenditure within the university sector. The Minister should take steps to ensure that those funds are restored to adequately resource the colleges. She should then let the element of competition come into play for the extra funding, rather than use this funding method which promotes survival of the fittest and to hell with the rest. I am very concerned about the Minister's statement on the matter.