Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Research and Development James Lawless says the fact that only one Irish third level school is ranked within the top 200 in the world highlights the need for a "greater emphasis" to be placed on developing Ireland’s third level research sector.
Deputy Lawless said, “It’s important to note that there are multiple parameters driving these figures and no league table should be the primary focus of university activity. However these rankings nonetheless offer a good insight into how Irish universities are perceived internationally.
“It’s positive to see TCD moving back inside the top 200 ranked universities in the world while three other Irish universities, namely UCD, RCS and NUIG, have made it into the top 250. However Ireland should be aiming to have multiple universities placed within the top 200 universities worldwide.
“Ireland should be aiming to emulate the success of our near neighbour Scotland which has five universities in the top 200.
"Questions have to be asked as to why Irish universities are not, as a bloc, punching to that weight internationally."
The Government, he says, "continues to underfund the third level research sector", which is "preventing Irish universities from achieving their true potential".
“The research sector has experienced a retrenchment under Fine Gael as there is an unhealthy focus on promoting commercial activity. This is preventing universities from focusing on progressing important research that does not necessarily have an immediate commercial application.
"It’s imperative that this shift in emphasis is reversed and rebalanced in order for Ireland to continue its great tradition of pioneering research and academic excellence.
"With Brexit on the horizon there is a huge opportunity for an open, welcoming nation like Ireland to attract world class researchers who are seeking a new academic home.”