University teachers join in criticism of Bill

UNIVERSITY teachers have added their voice to criticisms of the Universities Bill.

They say it has "serious defects" which must be remedied in order to provide a suitable framework for the development of colleges in the next century.

The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) also claims the legislation threatens the freedom of the universities from religious involvement in the appointment and dismissal of staff.

In a submission to the Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach, the IFUT says the legislation is a "serious interference" with the autonomy of the universities and their freedom to manage their affairs, subject to public financial accountability.

The Bill contains no recognition of the need for academic freedom, it adds.

There is also a "substantial threat" to the rights of existing staff in the universities and to their conditions of service.

According to the IFUT, "ordinary" employees of a university are reasonably protected from arbitrary dismissal by modern labour legislation.

But this legislation is not adequate to defend the position of an academic who "may use the intellectual authority of his or her scholarly research to profound views which are contrary to the popular wisdom of the day".

The response proposes amendments to the Bill, including a specific commitment to the concept of academic freedom.

The legislation was to have been introduced in the Dail this week, but has been held over until next Wednesday.

Ms Breathnach has said that in later stages, she will introduce amendments dealing with criticisms made of the Bill by university organisations.