UCC head’s views are ‘widespread’

A GROUP representing college students with disabilities believes University College Cork president Michael Murphy did infer they were weaker academically but believes similar views are held across higher education leadership.

Though Dr Murphy has tried to clarify the remarks he made in a speech last month, the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) says he did suggest that disabled or disadvantaged students were academically weaker than others.

Dr Murphy had told business leaders government policy had been right to support participation at third level by students with disabilities, mature stud-ents and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.