Calls For Greater Oversight Of Irish Universities

The call comes from Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Science, Technology, Research & Development James Lawless.
The TD is urging the government to tackle this issue following revelations that the University of Limerick allegedly "misled" the Department of Education and the Comptroller and Auditor General during an inquiry into payments made as part of unauthorised and excessive severance packages to senior managers.
Deputy Lawless says, “This situation shows us that we need to re-examine the financial governance and management structures at Irish universities. There is clearly a lack of effective oversight of the use of public monies at some universities. It’s worth nothing that this situation would never have come to light without the brave persistence of whistleblowers."
He adds, “The Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Department of Education are currently unable to properly conduct financial governance involving the use of tax payer resources at Irish universities. The composition of the current legislation means that the HEA and Department can only examine financial oversight in Institutes of Technology. I believe there is a case to be made for strengthening the HEA and Department to allow them examine the financial governance practices of universities in cases of suspected misconduct.
“Any changes will have to be finely balanced between achieving effective oversight of financial governance involving public monies, while ensuring the preservation of universities' traditional autonomy to conduct their own affairs.
"A system could be put in place whereby the HEA and Department have the power to examine governance practices when concerns are raised within universities themselves. Robust mechanisms have been put in place to assist whistleblowers in State institutions but little change has been implemented regarding the governance of universities."
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick County, Niall Collins has made the following comments following RTÉ Investigates broadcast on whistleblowing in the University of Limerick: "The contempt and disdain demonstrated by the University of Limerick to basic principles of oversight and accountability is staggering. This has to change. When I, along with my colleague Deputy Willie O'Dea, raised these issues in Dáil Éireann, I received pressure from people within UL to pull back.
“They also attempted to continue to discredit the whistle blowers. One senior staff member of UL verbally abused me for raising these issues in the Dáil whilst I was canvassing during the last General Election.
“However, it is very refreshing to see the open approach by the new President of the University, Dr. Des Fitzgerald in dealing with these issues."
Deputy Collins concluded: “The reputation of UL has been hugely damaged in recent years as a result of these incidents. Dr. Fitzgerald deserves all our support in his work to restore the institutions reputations among students, staff and the wider public.