Sir, - I was surprised at the recent contribution to your columns by Mr Kennedy of SIPTU/TCD, in view of the fact that the Universities Bill will give the Minister a direct role in disputes about pensions such as a recent one between unions and TCD. In that dispute, the Minister's views were vigorously presented by the college authorities but the Labour Court decision was substantially in favour of the unions. In fact, the Bill would seem to imply that the Minister could revisit that dispute with statutory powers.
I find myself more sympathetic to the views in the recent letter from my colleague, Dr Barrett, except that I consider that the Bill is not appropriate for any university in the State, not just TCD. It appears to be, modelled on the way in which VEC schools and colleges work, with the HEA replacing the VECs. A university faced with unexpected cost increases in one area (such as library acquisitions, safety or security) could not compensate by making savings in other areas without having to renegotiate its budget with the HEA and the Minister, if this Bill is passed.
I speculate on the future, and imagine that the next major Bill from a Minister for Education may make similar provisions for all second level schools in receipt of State funding. - Yours, etc.,
Rowanbyrn,
Blackrock,
Co. Dublin.