A Royal Irish Academy report proposes the return of college fees to help fund third level institutions.
The study published by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) suggests that the attractiveness of Irish third level institutions as places to study is being compromised by a lack of investment.
The academy's report says that serious underfunding in Irish third level is threatening its ability to compete with European colleges.
The report also claims that Irish colleges are performing below the OECD average in key areas and an additional investment of €450 million is required. It suggests the reintroduction of fees as a means of investment for third level education.
Professor Patrick Cunningham, chairman of the RIA research group, says that universities have no financial reserves, and they are almost entirely dependent on government funding, which is inadequate.
The Union of Students in Ireland does not believe that reintroducing fees would solve a funding crisis among Irish third level institutions. The union was responding to the findings of a new study by a group of academics, which has called for a return of tuition fees to help relieve underfunding. The Department of Education says the return of third level fees remains off the agenda.
Daithí Mac Síthigh, Education Officer at the USI, says that the direct exchequer investment is needed.
Rather than blaming students for it. It's not their fault that the government has let third level run down.
In response, the Department of Education reiterated that the reintroduction of fees is not on the political agenda.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 August 2005. The reporter is Will Goodbody.
