Autonomous status of TCD

Higher Education Authority Bill 2022 needs scrutiny

Sir, – The headline “UK to give Irish language recognition in North” (News, May 25th) is most welcome. Acknowledgement of the diversity of identities and traditions on the island of Ireland was included in the revised Article 3 of the Constitution by referendum in both jurisdictions following the Belfast Agreement in 1998.

In reciprocation for the Irish language policy change in the UK, the Republic should drop its opposition to the autonomy of Trinity College Dublin.

This is expressed repeatedly in the 136-page Higher Education Authority Bill 2022, currently under Dáil scrutiny.

Trinity College Dublin is a royal charter corporation and a vital part of the diversity of traditions and identities on the island of Ireland. It has a record of outstanding service over 430 years.

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Moving the north-south and east-west dimensions of the Belfast Agreement on to new levels of harmony is a worthy goal on all sides. – Yours, etc,

SEAN BARRETT, FTCD,

(Acting Pro-Chancellor

Dublin University,

Former member

North/South

Interparliamentary

Association),

Dublin 2.