For comparison, last year the number of applications to Irish universities was 63,868, and the year before that – 61,961. Experts link this fact to the global economic crisis, where young people prefer studying over fruitless job searches.
As authorities point out, despite the problem of providing jobs for the population, Ireland needs more specialists with higher education in various scientific and technological fields. According to Parta.org, the shortage of specialists is especially acute in biotechnology and 'green energy'.