Funding risk to third level colleges over ‘secrecy’

THE reluctance of third-level academics to open their work activities to scrutiny may put increased public investment 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.

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