evidence: The number of students in higher education has climbed to a record high with almost a quarter of a million people studying a third-level course last year. The new figures look set to cement Ireland’s position within the EU as the member state with the highest proportion of school-leavers progressing to higher education. [...] The Higher Education Authority, which compiled the data, said this large talent pool will help the country meet whatever challenges it faces in the years ahead. "Ireland is clearly a society committed to learning, where now one in every 15 adults in the State is studying in one of our universities, institutes or colleges,"said Paul O'Toole, the authority's chief executive.