Institutes of Technology have a historical record of serving the needs of nation, responding in a positive and proactive manner to address the educational and technological requirements of the country and its people.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), which represents lecturers in the Institutes, is gravely concerned that recommendations of cuts to the sector outlined in the McCarthy report would have huge negative effects for the economic recovery.

Speaking today, TUI Deputy General Secretary Annette Dolan said the recommendations, if implemented, “would sound a death knell for overseas investment in Ireland. These cuts would devastate third level education and send out a message that we as a nation do not value education.”

“It is no coincidence that the only positive news in terms of job creation in Ireland in recent months have invariably been linked to investment from research arms of international corporations such as IBM.”

“It would truly be a case of destroying the economic engine for a few drops of oil.”

Staffing Efficiencies

“A reduction in staffing at third level would be potentially catostrophic for students at a time when there will be an unprecedented demand for places through CAO applications in the coming years. The way out of this economic morass is through reskilling and upskilling of the population, specifically those on the Live Register.

It is certain that more and more adults will be looking to raise their level of qualifications at least one level, and Institutes of Technology are ideally placed to meet this challenge.

There are already severe restrictions on the filling of vacancies resulting from restrictions of public sector recruitment. Any further staffing reductions may result in the cessation of certain courses and a diminution of service to the communities served.”

Amalgamation of Dublin Institutes of Technology

“The amalgamation of Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) with the Tallaght and Blanchardstown institutes on the Tallaght complex makes no economic or practical sense whatsoever.

TUI understands there in the region of 15 free acres on the Tallaght campus, compared to around 67 acres on the proposed Grangegorman complex. Grangegorman is nearer to the city centre and is easily accessible. Location here would allow DIT to retain links with the local inner city communities it serves, through the local businesses it benefits and the hugely successful access programmes and other initiatives it runs.

The report makes reference to ‘economies of scale’, but this is blatantly flawed as it would not be possible to re-locate the functions of DIT from its 34 locations in the city, along with the Blanchardstown institute to the Tallaght campus. DIT would have to retain many of its city locations due to space restrictions, which would defeat the entire purpose of relocation.