The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), which represents 4,000 lecturers in Institutes of Technology across the country, has welcomed the official establishment of the country’s first technological university in Dublin but has warned that it must be underpinned by appropriate resourcing.
Speaking today, TUI President Seamus Lahart said:
‘We welcome today’s announcement, but it is crucial that the development be underpinned with the appropriate resourcing that will allow it to flourish.’
‘Overall, there remains a complete and incomprehensible absence of political will to deal with the funding crisis that exists at third level in Ireland. This is unacceptable. It is TUI’s view that a 1% levy should be applied to corporate profits to generate a dedicated fund for higher education.’
In 2017, TUI members at third level voted by a margin of 74% to 26% to accept the TUI, DES and THEA Agreement of May 2017 on Technological Universities.
The agreement was the result of extensive discussions between the parties which had been held in order to address the concerns of TUI members in relation to the development of Technological Universities.
It sets out key assurances in relation to conditions of service and pensions, includes amendments to the Technological Universities Bill and provides for the establishment of the National Negotiation Forum sought by the Union.