Sir, - The current debate on status for various Regional Technical Colleges and the Dublin Institute of Technology highlights the second class citizenship afforded to students and staff of these institutions over the years. This reflects on the status of technological education in Ireland and its importance in our society.
The Dublin Institute of Technology has been in existence for over 100 years and has provided the backbone of technological education in this State, which has been vitally important to the country's economic development. Despite over 30 years of degree awarding experience in the Institute, the Minister of the day, Mr Seamus Brennan, in proposing the Dublin Institute of Technology Act (1992) stated on behalf of the then government on June 23rd, 1992: "Having listened to the deputies, I do not see any reason for a major delay in extending to the Dublin Institute of Technology degree awarding functions. We are not doing something casual; we are formally establishing and putting in place a major new national institution, arguably the largest third level institution in the State. It is important to do that carefully. I am anxious that the structures be put in place, that the necessary appointments be made and that there be consultation with the people appointed. My hope and my target would be that within 12 months of the coming into effect of the legislation I would be in a position to move in regard to the degree awarding function".
Since the Act became law there have been consultations, quality reports, review bodies etc. All these are apparently designed with one purpose in mind - to delay degree awarding powers to the Dublin Institute of Technology and reinforce the second class status of technological education.
It is little wonder the Government makes no progress in solving the unemployment situation and creating jobs for graduates when it cannot afford status to technological education. Speaking on behalf of staff of the Dublin Institute of Technology, they are sick and tired of Government promises and second class treatment. They say: "Give us our university status now. We have more than earned it over the last 30 years." - Yours etc.,
Former Chairman, Dublin Institute of Technology
Academic Staff Association
(1989-1992),
Kevin St,
Dublin 2.