Sir, The current correspondence relating to the effect of the proposed reform of university government on the composition of the Board of TCD has so far failed to indicate fully the undemocratic nature of this body. It may not he widely realised outside TCD that approximately two thirds of the members of the permanent academic staff have currently no say whatever in the election of members of the board or in its proceedings. The agenda for meetings of the board do not circulate to this group, and not even limited minutes of past meetings are accessible to them.
Many of us who are in this significant majority will welcome any broadening of representation on the board. We feel that the proposals of the Minister for Education, while far from perfect, can only represent an improvement on the current situation if they are implemented.
I would support the remarks made in your columns by Professor Atkins in his letter of January 9th, regarding the need for open accountability by public educational establishments, and would express the hope that this can be achieved without political interference in the running of any of the universities in Ireland. All of the Irish universities are currently suffering under the conflicting pressures imposed by inadequate finance, increasing student numbers and overloaded facilities.
It is my opinion that these and other factors are now affecting the quality of education in some areas within TCD. Only a democratically elected boards which seeks advice and participation from all of its academic staff (at the very least), will be able to overcome the current difficulties.
Yours, etc., (Associate Professor of Physics) Department of Physics. Trinity College, Dublin 2.