Debate on the future funding of Higher Education by Political Party Spokespeople

Dublin City University hosted a debate on Wednesday 25 September on the future funding of Higher Education, with various political party spokespeople in advance of the general election. 

Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics in the School of Law and Government, moderated the discussion. The debate, featuring spokespeople from Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, the Greens, Sinn Fein, Labour and People Before Profit, was extremely timely given the challenges facing higher education and the looming general election. Before a large crowd, featuring many students, the politicians outlined their aims for the sector. There was clear divergence between members of the governing parties and those of the opposition about the student registration fee. Those in government favoured keeping it at a reduced rate while those in opposition wanted it abolished altogether. Although the debate was conducted in good humour there were sharp exchanges over issues such as building costs for student accommodation, the nature of such accommodation, the grant system and precarious postgraduate employment. There was unanimity, however, about the value of higher education and its place in Irish society. 

At the end of the debate Professor Murphy encouraged everyone to vote in the forthcoming election saying it was our civic duty to so.

The debate was hosted in conjunction with the Union of Students in Ireland, the Irish Universities Association, the Royal Irish Academy, the Technological Higher Education Association and the British Irish Chamber. These five organisations, representing students, universities, business and academic research, have joined forces to call on government and opposition parties to make a step-change in investment in higher education and research.