Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister is very well aware of the media attention on the proposed Munster technological university in recent days. Today, the Teachers' Union of Ireland lodged a dispute with the Labour Relations Commission. I do not know whether that affects what can be said on the matter. The press releases from the TUI in recent days outline some of the concerns it has raised. It is fair to say there are considerable challenges ahead if the proposed merger is to take place.

The TUI has expressed some concerns about the proposed benefits of a merger. It has laid the blame clearly at the door of the Department of Education and Skills. There is a requirement for the merger to take place before any designation of technological university status is given. The TUI has said a number of issues arise relating to the policy approach and the criteria. I will ask the Minister in more detail in the supplementary question about some of the criteria, which to be frank, are very restrictive in terms of the number of staff that must hold a PhD qualification, the number of staff who must hold a level 9 qualification and the fact that Cork IT and Tralee IT will not meet the criteria. With any proposed merger I expect there will be a reduction in teaching staff numbers and in course provision. They are issues on which concern has been expressed by the TUI. There is much concern about the proposed merger and whether it is viable any longer. I hope the Minister can provide clarity on the matter.

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