Colleges warned to stop duplication of courses or face cuts to funding

COLLEGES have been warned their funding will be cut if they continue to offer similar sets of courses.

The message from Higher Education Authority (HEA) comes as third-level colleges struggle to cope with rising student numbers on falling budgets from the Government. Overall funding for the sector during the downturn has been cut by almost 9%, with staffing down 7% to 18,000 in two years, while student numbers are up by 15%.

HEA chief executive Tom Boland said that, instead of duplication of courses by numerous universities and institutes of technology, each college must focus on its own areas of expertise to help achieve greater efficiency and build Ireland’s international reputation.