Boffins Buck Cuts In Spending

University presidents are considering withdrawing some third level courses after the Government's recent announcement of large cutbacks.

Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe's demand for a 3% cut in payroll costs has sparked outrage by university heads who have convened a special meeting of the seven university presidents.

The meeting on Friday last discussed a range of options and heard the cuts will inevitably led to dramatic reductions in services for students.

This week, the university presidents are set to outline the scale of the funding crisis in a formal letter to Mr O'Keeffe.

The threat to cancel or trim courses for the academic year 2009-10 could be bad news for students. Any reduction in courses or in the number of places could see CAO points levels increase for these courses next year.

Last month, Mr O'Keeffe said he would be looking for cuts of at least 3% in payroll costs from third-level institutions and the vocational education system.

In their letter to the Minister, the universities said they will outline the impact of the cutbacks, including a reduction in the quality and quantity of courses on offer, and a threat to targets for the sector set in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation

Last week, Minister O'Keeffe approved the placing of a contract for refurbishment worth just under €17 million with the Carroll's Facility at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Co. Louth.

"Subjecting all capital proposals to rigorous assessment is vital in order that State capital resources are appropriately targeted to addressing greatest need in accordance with the National Development Plan," said the Minister.

(DW)