Coughlan backs reforms

REFORMS are needed urgently in college teaching practices as part of a major overhaul of the third level system, Education Minister Mary Coughlan has warned.

Her department is still in discussions with the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, whose members include institute of technology lecturers, about reforms proposed in the Croke Park public service pay and productivity agreement.

Asked about the progress of these talks, she said there has been some movement.

“But it has been very slow and I would be very anxious that we would progress as quickly as possible,” she said.