Trade unions representing all levels of education staff have called for the creation of a new forum to address the crisis in the third level sector.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Education Sector Group says emergency funding is needed for universities and other higher education institutions, where the Covid-19 crisis has led to a significant fall in funding.

The union group includes Fórsa, as well as the ASTI, TUI, IFUT, Siptu, the INTO and Unite.

It says the sector also needs a long-term plan, involving all key stakeholders, to help place it on a more sustainable footing.

It says the health emergency has exposed serious flaws in Ireland’s third level model, and said the proposal to create a dedicated Department of Higher Education could help tackle the crisis in the sector. 

The group is calling for the creation of a new third-level sector forum to look at:

• A sustainable funding model for the future and the role of private funding in universities
• The creation of greater security of employment across the sector by tackling issues around contract and precarious employment
• The cost of living issues for students, to ensure more equal access to higher education.

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike said the establishment this week of the Munster Technological University, and plans for future technological universities in a number of regions, created a requirement to ensure the provision of adequate funding and a long-term vision to keep in step with the ambitious agenda of the new universities.

“The current health crisis has been a major disruptor to almost every sector, with a specific impact on education. It’s essential that we prepare the ground fully to ensure the long term sustainability of higher education beyond the crisis,” he said.

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