Ninth Level Ireland

“Threats to the autonomy of third-level institutions are amongst the biggest concerns of Provost Patrick Prendergast and his peers on the Irish Universities Association (IUA), so much so that it is one of the main reasons why they are so fervently arguing for the introduction of an income-contingent loan scheme above any other model …” (more)

[University Times, 23 July]

“The Irish Universities Association welcomes today’s Ministerial announcement of a comprehensive review of the National Training Fund. The terms of reference for the review support a commitment to greater transparency in the use of the fund and the determination of its expenditure priorities. We welcome the fact that the potential of the fund to contribute to higher education remains under active consideration …” (more)

[Irish Universities Association, 14 July]

“More than half of the money universities got this year to employ extra staff to deal with rising student numbers was absorbed by the Government decision to bring forward the €1,000 pay rise in the public service to April. The university sector received about €7m in the Budget specifically to cater for growing enrolments as part of the first additional State investment in higher education in a decade …” (more)

[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 9 June]

“University heads have sent a strongly worded letter to two senior academics attacking as ‘flawed’ a paper they have written setting out a case against a student loan scheme.The letter from the Irish Universities Association (IUA) questions the ‘methodology and approach’ of Dr Charles Larkin, Trinity College Dublin, and Dr Shaen Corbet, Dublin City University …” (more)

[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 4 May]

“The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is the representative organisation for the seven IrishUniversities. The IUA brings the university sector together to: clearly and publicly articulate the importance and value of higher education; act as an advocate for the university system; provide effective liaison and dialogue with the State and its agencies; …” (more)

[Irish Universities Association, 14 April]

“The leaders of Irish universities will be lobbying to ensure that Northern Irish students are not subjected to higher, international-level fees, as negotiations begin over the UK’s exit from the EU …” (more)

[Kathleen McNamee, University Times, 11 April]

“It was only around the corner from the offices of the Irish Universities Association (IUA) that, last October, over 10,000 students and activists from across the country marched on Merrion Square, calling for more money for higher education. This wasn’t their only demand, however …” (more)

[Kathleen McNamee, University Times, 11 April]

“The Irish Universities Association (IUA) today recommended the introduction of an income-contingent loan scheme for higher education, placing them significantly at odds with the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), which called for the removal of fees for all students in all courses below level eight …” (more)

[Dominic McGrath, University Times, 10 November]

“Rankings have become a major weapon in the struggle of universities around the world to get their fair share or what they think is their fair share of public money. The Times Higher Education (THE) world and regional rankings are especially useful in this regard …” (more)

[University Ranking Watch, 17 October]

“Third-level colleges are getting their first increase in State funding in almost a decade. After years of cuts that saw spending on higher education reduced by 33%, an additional €36.5m is being made available …” (more)

[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 12 October]

“Sir, – Ellen Hazelkorn suggests that discussions about the future funding of higher education should be ‘based on real evidence and not on rankings’ (Opinion & Analysis, September 22nd). But in this, she creates a false dichotomy …” (more)

[Ned Costello, Irish Times, 24 September]

“Pressure is growing on the Government to increase third-level funding next year as business leaders, students, and universities have all urged Education Minister Richard Bruton to begin reversing almost a decade of cuts …” (more)

[Niall Murray, Irish Examiner, 7 September]

“Leaving Cert students could receive bonus points for subjects relevant to the courses they are applying for under new proposals being drawn up.The introduction of 25 bonus points for higher level maths paper since 2012 has led to a dramatic increase in the numbers taking the subject. But there is some concern it has distorted subject choice among students …” (more)

[Carl O’Brien, Irish Times, 15 August]

“In the period of uncertainty following the recent UK referendum to leave the European Union, the Irish universities collectively wish to reassure all UK students currently enrolled in an Irish university that they will continue to enjoy the same conditions as other EU students regarding fees and contributions, for the duration of their degree …” (more)

[Irish Universities Association, 27 June]

“Ireland’s seven universities have called for ‘urgent remedial action’ to address the student accommodation crisis. In a pre-budget submission, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) says …” (more)

[Joe Humphreys, Irish Times, 22 September]

“Ireland’s seven universities are pressing the government to invest €2 billion in public and private funds to fill gaps in third-level infrastructure. The submission comes as some reputable universities slipped down another set of world rankings …” (more)

[Leanna Byrne, Business Post, 22 September]

“Universities say that they will not be able to cope with the growing demand for college places if the Government does not provide more funding. According to the seven universities, they need an additional €2bn for buildings and technology over the next decade …” (more)

[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 22 September]

“Several universities are blocking attempts by Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan to reduce the number of entry courses in a bid to simplify the third-level entry system. Last year, an expert group comprising the Irish Universities’ Association and other educational stakeholders, said the State’s seven universities had committed to ensuring the number of undergraduate courses offered in 2015 was reduced to 2011 levels …” (more)

[Joe Humphreys, Irish Times, 20 April]

“The seven universities in the Republic are set to introduce new admissions procedures that will make it easier for school-leavers from Northern Ireland to gain entry. Under the plan, which will apply to college applicants from September 2016, the Central Applications Office (CAO) points awarded for an A* grade in the A-Level exams will rise from 150 to 180 …” (more)

[Joe Humphreys, Irish Times, 30 March]

“More than 800 leading research scientists have joined forces to lobby the Government as it prepares a new national strategy for scientific research. In a letter to The Irish Times today, they outline proposals for developing a strong research base within Ireland …” (more)

[Dick Ahlstrom, Irish Times, 18 March]