University College Dublin (UCD) has warned that they may trim the number of places available for Irish students due to a lack of funds.
“Unless there is movement on the funding of Irish students soon, the university will have to consider the option of reducing the number of places available to Irish students in order to preserve quality,” UCD president Professor Andrew Deeks said.
In addition, Leaving Certificate numbers are due rise over the next few years. As a result, the demand for college places is set to increase. This will also push up points needed for courses.
Financial crisis
There is controversy over who should pay to fix the financial crisis in Irish education. In particular, there has been debate over a return to full fees and potential student loans.
Professor Deeks said, “because of the failure of the Government to address the funding issue facing the sector”, UCD has had to recruit non-EU students to pay to increase staff numbers. He also warned that UCD will consider limiting places for Irish students.
