Economics

Introduction

Learning and knowledge are highly prized in all societies, especially here in Ireland, where there is a strong tradition of respect for education. The choices that individuals make when leaving school, in particular whether to pursue higher education or not, are likely to have a long lasting effect on their lifestyle. The main purposes for a University education involve: social, national and educational purposes and for the individual personal purposes and moral development. These topics will be addressed in the following paragraphs.

The two main institutions predominantly concerned with education are Universities and Schools. It may be argued that the main purpose of Universities is to advance the individuals' knowledge to meet the needs of industries and other professions. Education is the main aim of these establishments but incidentally a lot more in terms of social education is gained. Mainly due to people of different settings being thrown together. More is learnt in conversation, relationships, societies and other informal settings. Therefore the experience of attending such a culturally broad based University broadens the individuals mind and exposes the individual to circumstances not yet experienced.

The social purposes of a University education have changed radically over the years, with a College education becoming a socially compulsory stage in life. The fact that it is readily available to all who qualify leads to the development of social chances of individuals. These opportunities include; improved standard of living due to successful employment, therefore more security and increased leisure time. Therefore schooling undeniably adds to the social earnings of individuals, and consequently it should be spread as widely as possible. Widening the intake to University or higher education results in a more diverse clientele in relation to abilities, motives and of course cultural and social skills. The advantage of widespread education is the cultivation of international skills and attitudes, contributing to the values of university education.

This intermingling of cultures and social differences causes a change in the attitudes and outlooks of society. The levelling up of living standards in our economy has created a greater sense of human dignity and freedom replacing an earlier and traditional view of inferiority. Opportunities for education, leading to promotion at work are richer and more varied. Universal education has enhanced individuals' view of the world and has created an awareness of the stream of events in other parts of the world. Which up to 1900 was prerogative of perhaps one fifth of the population. (K.G. Collier, 1959:33)

Not only does this diversity benefit social purposes but it also has certain national purposes. National reforms in higher education were a result of Europe's ability to collect information from these diverse Universities, and adapt to beneficial procedures. (Robbins report: 41) Consequently this encouraged efficiency throughout the education system, due to high levels of mobility between different European countries, and high standards were therefore demanded. These mutual exchanges of solutions to higher education problems benefit Europe as a community and benefit our Universities both nationally and internationally. According to Paul Tansey "A national reservoir of knowledge spurs national efficiency, creativity and innovation. (Paul Tansey, 1998:101) Resolving Irelands weaknesses in education helped Ireland to boost productivity and increase levels to meet continental Europe. The expansion of the higher education system has made Ireland second only to Japan in the proportion of workers available with a degree in science or engineering. (OECD, 1995:103)

According to Michael Porter in his International Survey of Competitive Advantage 'There is little doubt from our research that education and training are decisive in national competitive advantage.' (Paul Tansey, 1998:105)