Universities hit by €38m pay shortfall

THE country’s seven universities are being forced to cut jobs and reduce services because the Government has not provided up to €40 million needed for pay increases.

Some of the measures already introduced include recruitment freezes and cuts to funding for libraries, research and other vital elements of college services.

University authorities fear cuts in part-time and permanent tutorial, lecturing and administrative posts are inevitable unless the €38m shortfall is met urgently. The amount needed represents around 10% of the universities’ equired spending estimates.