The Minister for Higher Education says there will be no changes to the terms and conditions for staff at the new university in the south-east.
The new technological university is expected to open early next year with the consortium to submit their application no later than April 28th.
Simon Harris described the project as a game-changer for the south-east, not just educationally but from the perspectives of foreign direct investment, skills, research and jobs.
Putting questions to the Minister for Higher Education @SimonHarrisTD today on a range of issues relating to the Technological University for the S.E. including commitments on capital funding, a transparent appointment processes, & decisions taken in line with the NPF. @WLRFMnews pic.twitter.com/IoieGmAuCP
— David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) March 10, 2021
Minister Harris was responding to questions in the Dáil from Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane.
"First, with regard to capital funding, approximately €150 million already has been allocated to a variety of projects in the south-east as part of the technological university.
"Second, I am 100% committed, as is the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, everybody in government and I believe everybody in the Oireachtas, to expanding the size of the footprint in Waterford in the new technological university.
"Specific sites are being looked at and specific proposals are being worked up by the governing authority.
Minister Harris also gave clarity about how the new governing body will be appointed.
"I will publicly advertise for the chair and membership of the governing authority.
"I will engage with Oireachtas Members and it will be done in a transparent way.
"Fourth, there will be no change whatsoever to the terms and conditions for any existing staff member and anything to the contrary is misinformation, disinformation and untrue.
"Fifth, decisions will be made, as they should be for all public services, in line with the national planning framework and, sixth, politicians - me or anybody else - will not be deciding what course goes where. It will be done in consultation and leadership with the academics and decided by the governing authority."
Green Party Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomed the clarity given in the Dáil. He added that he agrees that there are "individuals seeking to make hay on this politically".
"But, we can expect rumour to fill a void if there is an information gap, and the Minister can understand if the people of Waterford and the south-east are twice shy because we have been bitten more than once by successive Governments."
"My direct question is this: what plans does the Minister have to engage with these union groups and listen to their very valid and genuine concerns about things such as capital funding, the composition of the new board and the future configuration of the new university and to give them reassurance?"
I spoke in the Dáil today in relation to the #TUSE. I raised the issue of negative commentary and explained to Minister @SimonHarrisTD that the people of #Waterford and the South East are twice shy because we have been bitten more than once by successive Governments. pic.twitter.com/2TEHuupqVc
— Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD (@MarcKC_Green) March 10, 2021
Minister Harris responded by saying that the last time TUI members were balloted on this matter, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of this project.
"That shows their commitment and the scale of their ambition.
"I would add that the only thing that has happened between 2019 and now is that things have gotten better in respect of our level of commitment to the Technological University for the South-East of Ireland, TUSE, and to Waterford. There is now a firm commitment in relation to capital funding and the expansion of the Waterford site.
"There is very firm commitment from the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, me and everybody in Government. I know I am working closely with the Deputy on this issue. I have tried to give assurances in the floor of the House today and at my meeting with south-east Oireachtas Members earlier in terms of configuration around courses being decided by a governing authority on the basis of academic input and not politicians.
"I have also tried to give very clear assurances in relation to terms and conditions. There is no plan B - this is the chance. If we can get this through, and I receive the application by 28 April, we will make it happen. We will have honest, thorough and open engagement through every phase of this," Minister Harris concluded.
