Madam, - I read with interest Prof Gerry Wrixon's insightful article on university funding (Opinion, February 24th).
Of course Prof Wrixon is right to assert that the university sector is an essential element in our future economic development. However, by concentrating solely on the economic importance of our universities, I fear we are getting only half the story. As well as being an engine for economic growth, universities must become a force for social change.
At present, access to our university system is deeply unequal. The recent Clancy Report showed, for instance, that while 77 per cent of school leavers from Foxrock go on to third level, only 14 per cent in Dublin 11 are granted this opportunity.
Having been involved in the establishment of a scholarship scheme for disadvantaged students in Trinity College Law School, I know that innovative programmes can achieve real results. The Trinity Access Programme and other similar projects are continuing to make a difference for many students. But greater investment and leadership are needed to overcome the deep social inequalities in access.
I agree with Prof Wrixon that the Government's 10 per cent cut in university funding last year has been extremely damaging. However, the case for adequate third-level funding cannot be based solely on economic outcomes. The role our third-level sector can play in tackling social inequality is of equal importance. - Yours, etc.,
IVANA BACIK, (Labour Party European Election Candidate), Dublin 17.