TEACHER'S PET: Is the Higher Education Authority (HEA) overly sensitive about the media?

In recent months, HEA boss Tom Boland has been complaining to board members about leaks to the media which, he says, makes it impossible for the authority to do its work.

Then, Boland and HEA communications guru Malcolm Byrne became embroiled in that ridiculous battle with RTÉ's Prime Time.

Tom Boland had refused to appear on the programme, which was examining value for money in State agencies. It was a strange decision given Boland's strong media presence, not to mention the outstanding track record of the Prime Teamteam.

After reviewing the copious correspondence between the HEA and RTÉ last week some board members wondered aloud why the authority was digging holes for itself.

Byrne – a Fianna Fáil councillor in Gorey, Co Wexford – has achieved minor miracles since his appointment in late 2007. But, in the current climate, there are understandable fears in the HEA that it could become the focus of Government cuts.

The authority, which manages the €1.6 billion transferred from the State to higher education, is actually a relatively tight ship.

But, as Labour’s Ruairí Quinn hinted at a recent Dáil committee, it is unloved in some quarters in the Department of Education. Some in Marlborough Street resent its independence. There is much comment, for example, about the fact that the HEA maintains both a chief executive (Tom Boland) and a chairman (Michael Kelly).

But the HEA might be better advised to come out fighting – instead of getting paranoid about the media. By any standards, Boland and Kelly are outstanding public servants.

The HEA should be spreading the good news – not trying to suppress it.

* Needless to say, last week’s launch of the Dublin Region Higher Education Alliance, bringing together third-level colleges in the city, was a low-key affair.

After the UCD/Trinity research merger, there was a sense of “after the Lord Mayor’s show” about the event. The other universities are still furious about the “solo-run” by TCD and UCD.

But Trinity was unmoved by all the sniping.

Days after the launch of the merger, we hear Provost John Hegarty hosted a celebratory drinks party for those involved in the secret negotiations which led to the merger.

Teachers’ Pet returns in the autumn. Many thanks to all who have contributed.