Representatives of the ICTU Group of Further and Higher Education Trade Unions met this morning with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to review progress on shared priorities and to reaffirm their commitment to constructive engagement in support of Ireland’s higher and further education sector.
The meeting forms part of an ongoing bi-annual dialogue between the HEA and the union group. These engagements provide an important opportunity for both sides to exchange updates on current initiatives, identify emerging challenges, and explore areas for collaboration in a spirit of openness and mutual respect. Over the past year, the unions and the HEA have worked together on several significant projects. These include engagement on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education, an area of growing importance for staff and institutions alike. A delegation from the union group also contributed to the HEA Working Group responsible for developing the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Framework for Higher Education Institutions — a critical initiative aimed at strengthening safety, dignity and accountability across campuses.
Speaking following the meeting, IFUT General Secretary Frank Jones welcomed the continued engagement:
“This dialogue, now ongoing for some 18 months, is still at an early stage, but it has already demonstrated the value of sustained and respectful engagement. There is considerable scope for us to deepen this relationship in ways that will serve the sector well.”
Mr Jones noted that trust is built over time and through practical cooperation on issues of shared concern.
“As the relationship develops, so too will the trust between us — and that will ultimately benefit the staff and students we collectively serve. On the union side, we fully recognise the essential statutory role played by the HEA across the higher education system.”
Looking ahead, the unions reiterated their view that when a formal Higher Education Sectoral Forum is established, the HEA must be centrally involved alongside unions, employers and other key stakeholders. Constructive social dialogue, grounded in respect for institutional autonomy, workers’ voices and the public mission of higher education, will be essential to meeting the challenges facing the sector in the years ahead.
In the photo is Paul Gavan (ICTU), Orla Christie (HEA), Annette Dolan (TUI), Brendan Byrne (Unite), Karl Byrne (SIPTU), Orla Nugent (HEA), Brian McAvinue (Connect), Frank Jones (IFUT), Ursula Cox (Forsa)