Lecturers’ vote clears way for laws to create technological universities

Lecturers at institutes of technology have voted for a deal with colleges and the Department of Education that should clear the way for new laws allowing the creation of technological universities.

Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) opposition to various aspects of the bill published 18 months ago to underpin a TU sector had led to an impasse that meant the legislation had stalled.

But Education Minister Richard Bruton is expected to amend the Technological Universities Bill after a 74% vote in favour of the agreement. Just over 40% of TUI’s 4,000 members in the IoT sector, and therefore eligible to vote, took part in the ballot.