University chiefs told to use resources wisely

University chiefs have been told by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn to make better use of scarce resources if he is to push the case for increased funding to the sector.

He told them he will also be changing the law to make them more accountable after governance failures in some universities.

Mr Quinn made his comments at a meeting with the council of the Irish Universities Association, attended by the seven university presidents and their governing body chairpersons. He said last week’s report from the Comptroller & Auditor General showed they face challenges in convincing the public their money is being used to best effect.