A 2012 HEA report, published last year, forecast cuts to public funding will lead to private colleges playing a more important role in Ireland's education system in future years.

Higher Education Authority Chairman John Hennessy has confirmed that the continuing growing demand for higher education in Ireland may no longer be fully met by the publicly funded institutions, and therefore private institutions are ideally positioned to increase their contribution within the higher education sector in upcoming years.

He stated that at a time of cutbacks, and supported by strong industry ties and support, private colleges were often in a better position to deliver better programmes. While currently 96% of 3rd level students attend public institutions, this figure was very likely to change in the near future.

Mr Hennessy said he envisages private providers competing more regularly to deliver specific programmes funded from the public purse. In a speech to the Higher Education Colleges Association, which represents private third-level colleges, Mr Hennessy said private institutions were already providing around a third of all education places under the Government's Springboard initiative, which provides educational opportunities for the unemployed.

With impending changes to fee structures and potential restrictive work practices within public education institutions, the former head of Ericsson Ireland has indicated that private institutions will have the facilities, staff and authority to continue to introduce innovative and challenging programmes to meet the needs of today's students entering higher education.

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