We need new cash source, says NUI boss

The head of the body, which represents the presidents of the country’s seven universities has admitted they will increasingly have to secure funds from sources other than the Exchequer.

The universities are lobbying for increased state funding.

Dr Seamus Smith, the president of NUI Maynooth, claims this is needed as the universities are the driving forces behind economic growth.

Nevertheless he conceded that the universities will have to look to all possible funding sources.