The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has welcomed the appointment of Mary Mitchell-O’Connor as Minister with special responsibility for Higher Education in the new government.

Mike Jennings, General Secretary of IFUT, said the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the sector represents a recognition of the many challenges and dire financial situation in higher education.

“We note that in announcing the creation of a special Ministerial position to deal with third-level, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, referenced the need to address the issue of resources.

“We congratulate Minister Mitchell-O’Connor on her appointment and look forward to meeting with her at the earliest opportunity to discuss the issue of resources and indeed the many other issues that currently impede the sector’s status and development.

“IFUT hopes that this appointment heralds the beginning of a new era in government approach to third-level education, which for too long has been starved of resources while being a vital component in the process of promoting Ireland’s economic and social development,” Mike Jennings said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release please contact:

John Gallagher, John Gallagher Consulting. Tel. 087 9369888

Mike Jennings, General Secretary, IFUT, Tel 087 6776747.