‘Significant’ additional funding required for Technological Universities, and IADT/DKIT must not be left behind – TUI

By piofficer, Friday, 7th April 2023 | 0 comments

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has warned that significant additional funding is required if technological universities are to achieve their full potential. The Union has also made clear that the two remaining institutes of technology currently outside the five technological universities – IADT and DKIT – must be facilitated in joining one as a matter of urgency.

Among its 20,500 members, TUI represents 4,600 academic staff in technological universities and institutes of technology.

Separately, in relation to another grade of members it represents, the Union is calling for the long overdue implementation of a Labour Court recommendation for Adult Education Tutors.

TUI’s Annual Congress takes place in Cork next week.


Speaking today, TUI President Liz Farrell said:


IADT and DKIT must not be left behind

‘Institutes of technology and technological universities have played a critical role in developing the country’s learning landscape across the regions, delivering quality education up to PhD level. Vitally important industry and community links have been forged over time and colleges increasingly perform research and support innovation that benefits the nation’s enterprises in their regions.


In our engagements with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), we have already made clear that IADT and DKIT, the two remaining institutes of technology currently outside the five technological universities, must be facilitated to be part of the new sector and that the appropriate funding and resources must be provided to make this happen.’


‘Major’ funding increase required for sector

‘In broader terms, funding across the sector remains a key concern. Our members want technological universities to become centres of excellence in their regions, but without a major increase in funding for the sector, this aspiration cannot be realised and the development of the new projects will be little more than rebranding exercises.


The OECD’s latest indicators make clear the hugely damaging effects of an era of underinvestment at third level, with the ratio of students to teaching staff in Ireland now standing at 22:1, which is significantly higher than the respective OECD and European averages of 15:1 and 14:1. This is a legacy of the ongoing political refusal to address the sector’s funding crisis, which results in larger class sizes and less access to laboratories, equipment, materials, libraries and tutorials.’


Workload must be addressed

‘In any negotiations which follow the publication of the OECD’s review on the technological university sector, the sector’s excessive workloads, lack of promotional opportunities and managerialist culture must be addressed. Of course, any negotiations on members’ contracts, terms and conditions must only be conducted at national level. 

Educational disadvantage does not cease after post-primary, and support must also be provided for students with additional needs

‘It must also be noted that educational disadvantage does not cease after post-primary. In the middle of a current cost-of-living crisis and an accommodation emergency, provision must be made available to provide as level a playing field as is possible to all students through state supports.’


‘Also, full supports must be provided for students with special or additional needs.’


Adult Education Tutors must be provided with appropriate terms of employment

‘Meanwhile, our Annual Congress will again draw attention to the continuing failure to provide Adult Education Tutors with a common, sector-wide incremental salary scale, despite a Labour Court recommendation to do so issuing in 2020. These tutors provide a vital and high-quality service to some of the most marginalised in society and must now be provided with the terms and conditions of employment that they deserve as a matter of urgency. The ongoing delay by Government in doing so is completely and utterly unacceptable.’ 

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