"DECISION-MAKERS DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES" - graduation speech by DCU President, Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski
- 9 November 2009

Speaking at graduation ceremonies held today at DCU, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, President, said that over recent months Irish universities had made major advances in global rankings; there are now five of them in the top 300 universities in the world. However, just as this is happening they are coming under threat at home, and some of the key elements that have produced these gains are now under threat.

He attributes this to An Bord Snip Nua (the McCarthy report) which has called the usefulness of university research into question. He believes the financial basis of universities is being undermined by decisions on fees and reductions in state funding, and says also that there are signs that the autonomy of universities is being eroded.

"These developments go to the heart of what allows our universities to offer quality and to support Ireland's bid to escape from recession. If we downgrade out universities, undermine their financial viability, cut their research and control them centrally, they will cease to be a magnet for international investment in Ireland. Ireland's drive to recover prosperity and growth will not succeed so easily", he said.

"All of this is taking place because it seems that some key decision-makers and opinion formers don't understand the role of universities in a modern country; but perhaps this is also the universities' fault in not explaining this well enough and demonstrating its truth.

"It has not been adequately recognised, but the strength and vitality of our universities are the main instrument we have for national recovery. Unless this is understood, we are doomed to return to the experience of the 1970s and 1980s of economic decline and national crisis. It should not be allowed to happen.

Over 2,500 students are receiving their degrees at six graduations ceremonies held over two days at DCU.