Universities amendment Bill
Deputy Thomas Byrne raised staffing pressures in universities and said the universities (amendment) Bill and funding must address worsening staff-to-student ratios. The Taoiseach said short-term funding was for discussion between the Education and Public Expenditure Ministers, with medium- and longer-term issues to follow.
I refer to the universities (amendment) Bill, which deals with staffing issues in universities. The staff to student ratio has reached record levels in this country and is affecting the reputation of our universities abroad. In addition, a professor told me this week that he has to teach 470 first year students in a lecture hall that is built to accommodate 450 people. It is unacceptable if that situation continues. I hope that the legislation, and the funding that is required, will deal with that. It is not sustainable.
Comment on this
Deputy Martin raised the question of third level funding in both the short and medium term arising from the Cassells report. I am aware of students who attend lecture halls with more than the figure mentioned by the Deputy. There are over 500 in some of the lecture halls, depending on the faculty and the subject being studied, as Deputy Thomas Byrne is well aware.
Comment on this
That does not make it right. It is unacceptable.
Comment on this
The question of the short term is a matter for discussion between the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. The Minister has set out his view on the Cassells report, and discussions will have to be held on the medium and longer term.