Book Description

Although Ireland was one of the first European countries to grasp the economic importance of education, its higher education sector is now at a crossroads with significant challenges to overcome. High levels of investment are needed for a major expansion of postgraduate studies and capacity for research, development and innovation. Mechanisms should be established to achieve the right balance between different components of the tertiary education system, which includes universities, institutes of technology and colleges that provide post-secondary level instruction. This report addresses the full range of higher education issues, offers recommendations for action within the framework of the government's ambitions for the sector, and suggests policy approaches to developing required additional sources of funding.