The provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr John Hegarty, has indicated that he believes there are strong areas of agreement between the college's proposals for radical restructuring of the college, and those put forward by a group of some of TCD's most senior academics.
Earlier this month The Irish Times reported that the group of nine academics had compiled a document in which they suggested an alternative faculty- rather than schools-based approach to the restructuring.
At the time, the document was seen by some at the college as offering a possible alternative plan to those supported by Dr Hegarty, although the group was understood to be anxious to stress that its plans were simply variations on the original proposals.
In a letter to all staff at the college yesterday, Dr Hegarty said he was "delighted" that the group had put their ideas on paper.
He also indicated that it had been widely accepted by the college board and council that "some form" of faculty structure should remain as part of the restructuring plans.
"Their proposals can be considered within the range of options in the Senior Lecturer's paper [to the college board], the main divergence being in relation to the role of faculties in the new structures," Dr Hegarty states in the letter.
"There was a general sense at council and board of the need for some form of faculty structure. Officers were asked to bring forward proposals in this context for consideration by board and council. This will happen over the next few weeks.
"There has been very considerable evolution in thinking by officers and they would welcome any further input."
However, it is still unclear which form any new faculty structure in the college will take, with the college currently examining four options.
The letter, intended as an update on the restructuring process for college staff, also states that discussions on a new method for academic resource allocation are continuing. Once agreed, they will be implemented over a three- to five-year period.
It also reaffirms that a final decision on the new structures at the college has been put back to next February.