The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has described the allocation of an additional €36.5m funding to third-level education in today’s budget as ‘like offering a wet sponge to a man dying of thirst.’

Mike Jennings, General Secretary of IFUT, said that instead of responding the dire warnings on fundriaisng requirements for third-level in the recent Cassells Report, the government and Minister for Education are establishing a further ‘consultative process,’ to kick back decisions to next year’s Budget at least.

“It used to be the case that Ministers were paid to take decisions. Now they expect to be thanked for taking soundings. This is yet another disappointing day for Irish Higher Education and for teachers and students alike at third-level.

“Even within the terms of the limited €458 million overall increase proposed for education spending, third-level has received less than eight percent of this.” Mike Jennings said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release please contact:

John Gallagher   -   John Gallagher Consulting  -  Tel. 087 9369888

Mike Jennings   -  General Secretary, IFUT  -  Tel. 087 6776747