Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We would all probably agree with this. This is not unique to Ireland. I remember being very conscious of it when I lectured in London; I was there when the polytechnics were being turned into universities. It is a process which must be approached with care. I absolutely approve of the reforms proposed by the Minister but we need to ensure the transition is carried out in a way which is consensual and does not run into such controversies as we saw in the past.

Rehiring is a huge challenge at present in the third level sector and has been linked with our universities dropping in international rankings, albeit that all of us would agree these rankings can be criticised. The criteria for league tables are often themselves rather flawed and we see different approaches taken by different league tables. Having said all of this, rising staff to student ratios do not look good internationally or nationally for our universities. A large part of this has to do with difficulties in recruiting, rehiring or rehiring replacement staff and this must be examined. The Minister has promised a new performance funding framework for universities and we need to free up universities and give them flexibility. There is some flexibility and we see some hiring and this is very welcome.

The 2012 prioritisation acting group proposed 14 priority areas for research funding and there has been major restructuring in this area, such as the establishment of the Irish Research Council. There is much more to be said about this. Much larger quantities of research funding are available through the EU Horizon 2020 programme as everyone is aware. It is a highly competitive process. I have received funding for research from the EU and I know exactly the hoops through which academics and administrators must jump. It is critical for academics to have administrative support in applying for and obtaining funding grants from the EU. It is a worthwhile process and worth investing in it so we can claim our tranche. The Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, are very well aware of this.

I absolutely agree there should be a role for students in reforming and restructuring processes and there should also be a role for alumni. I have received some very impassioned e-mails, as I know have others, from Trinity alumni in recent days over the rebranding initiatives undertaken by the college. Alumni and graduates of all our third level institutions feel very strongly about the institution they left and have strong views. Often they are reflective because they are looking back from the outside world at practices and cultures we may have become too institutionalised to recognise as flawed and in some way deserving of reform. They should also be included.

As the Minister stated to the USI yesterday, students are engaged in the higher education process of reform and a student survey is under way which I know will feed into the reform process. This is the Irish survey of student engagement being run by the HEA in conjunction with the USI and is a very important initiative. There is a real awareness about the need to bring along various stakeholders.