Universities must respond fluidly to skills needs
Irish universities should have greater flexibility in how they manage public funding, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has said.
Speaking at an event hosted by Mason Hayes & Curran (6 November) the minister said institutions need "a more comprehensive funding settlement that enables institutions to adapt and deliver within their overall allocation."
He suggested moving away from negotiating separate funding allocations for individual programmes, such as healthcare training or artificial intelligence initiatives.
Instead, he advocated for an approach that allows higher education institutions to respond more fluidly to changing national skills needs.
The minister emphasised that current funding arrangements must evolve to reflect shifting demands, noting: "We must recognise that the world has changed considerably since Funding the Future was published in 2022."
Reassess funding
The minister said he intended to collaborate closely with the higher education sector to reassess funding requirements and establish a more sustainable model.
The discussion was moderated by MHC partner Melanie Crowley, who noted: "Universities are competing internationally for academic talent while facing significant pressure on staffing budgets.
“A more sustainable funding model would help institutions take a longer-term approach to recruitment and invest in the specialist expertise they need."
Claire Lord (small picture), partner and head of corporate governance at the firm, added that the proposed reforms could profoundly impact how university governing authorities determine strategic priorities.
"Long-term financial certainty is essential for universities planning major investments. A more flexible model could give governing authorities greater confidence to make decisions that support their institutions’ ambitions," she said.
Participants also explored potential opportunities for Irish universities to expand their educational delivery overseas through international programmes.