College staff ‘fear’ work scrutiny

THE reluctance of third-level academics to open their work activities to scrutiny may put increased public investment in the sector at risk, the head of the Higher Education Authority warns.

As public debate about funding difficulties in universities and institutes of technologies gathers pace, with fears of further cuts to the €1.9 billion third-level budget next year, pressure is coming on academics to increase teaching activity and openness to their work being examined.

Last year’s An Bord Snip Nua report proposed a review of hours worked by lecturers, particularly in universities. The HEA has committed to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to supply statistics on the hours spent by academics teaching undergraduates, conducting research, and other duties.