Lowry Confirms Progress on TI

Independent Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that significant progress had been made in ensuring the future of Tipperary Institute after extensive negotiations with the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keefe.

The Minister has agreed that he would lift the threat of closure of the Institute on the basis of a commitment that Deputy Lowry gave, that the Board of Tipperary Institute would implement reforms and engage with the Department of Education in relation to its long term role and future within the Irish education system.

Lowry has engaged with the Board itself in relation to these points, along with union representatives and the staff directly.

Lowry informed the relevant parties that for Tipperary Institute to have a future, that there would have to be reform of the college structures and that college programmes would have to be varied, enhanced and improved.

Linkages would have to be formed with other institutes and colleges that would cultivate relationships, and develop synergies to give mutual advantage to Tipperary Institute and its partner institutions.

Cost effectiveness changes of the administration and delivery of programmes would have to be examined and delivered upon.

Lowry said:

Negotiations are at a delicate stage but I am pleased that progress is being made. The threat of closure, recommended by the Bord Snip report, is now almost totally off the table. The staff, unions and board have been absolutely exceptional at this difficult time.

It remains a primary objective of mine to ensure the future of TI along with the job security of its entire staff.

Unhelpful and inaccurate statements were made in the last week in relation to proposed relationships with Limerick Institute of Technology.

There is a meeting proposed for early December between members of the Governing bodies of both TI and LIT, but absolutely no decision has been made in relation to the nature of this relationship.

Separately to this meeting, because of the lack of a CEO in TI, Michael O’Connell is being proposed as a temporary head of the college on a part time basis, pending Department of Education approval. Mr. Connell has extensive experience in Financial Control and Strategic Development at LIT and his skill set would be most welcomed by Tipperary Institute at this time.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tipperary Institute, Liam Carroll has confirmed the above and has informed TI staff of ongoing developments.

ENDS

Further Information:

Conor Mulvihill 087-6989501