TCD Fellows reject Bill "in present form"

THE Universities Bill has been rejected by the Fellows of Trinity College as "unacceptable in its present form". The Fellows - self elected scholars of the college - rejected the Bill as an "unnecessary intrusion which undermines academic freedom and the autonomy of all Irish universities".

At a meeting on Monday night, they expressed support for the Provost in his opposition to aspects of the Bill, and his efforts to change those provisions which are "repugnant to the good and efficient conduct of university affairs".

The Minister for Education last night promised to introduce a number of amendments to the Bill at committee stage. However, the changes outlined in her speech to the Dail are unlikely to satisfy opposition in the colleges.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Authority has defended itself against "myths and misinformation about its role and functions as reported in the press. The authority took the unusual step of placing an advertisement in The Irish Times yesterday to respond to "fundamentally erroneous conceptions, even bordering on the bizarre" about its role.

"Throughout its history the HEA has acted with total fairness and objectivity, without let or favour to any one college versus another. It believes this to be well acknowledged by the colleges. The HEA will continue to show such fairness and objectivity and a spirit of collaboration in the discharge of any new responsibility which may be assigned to it under the proposed legislation," it said.

The HEA says its aim is to have the highest possible level of institutional autonomy for universities consistent with safeguarding the public interest.

The Union of Students in Ireland has welcomed the Bill and its provisions for greater accountability. However, USI suggests it could be strengthened by increasing student representation on governing bodies, reducing the number of politicians and the election, rather than appointment, of most members.

MSF, the trade union which represents all staff in the University of Limerick and technical staff in the other colleges, said yesterday the Bill would create a "democratic deficit" in the universities.

Describing the legislation as a "lowest common denominator approach", the union said it would greatly reduce staff, student and graduate representation.