The TUI has questioned the financial viability of the Munster Technological University.
Former Minister Joe McHugh granted IT Tralee and CIT technological university status in May, when he approved the creation of the MTU.
The TUI wrote to the then-Minister for Education in advance of that decision, questioning the financial viability of the new university.
The MTU had to submit a report to the Department of Education by the end of March, following which the minister had 60 days to decide on the merger.
However, the Teachers' Union of Ireland wrote to the then-Minister in mid-April, saying its representatives in CIT and IT Tralee were initially denied access to the report.
As a result, the TUI says it was given very little time to view the report and provide commentary.
The union listed five topics of concern: lack of consultation and meaningful engagement; new structures and models not agreed; operational structures and policies for MTU; financial viability; and international panel concerns.
The TUI says there were regular meetings since September 2019, but they were merely “window dressing” to give the impression that the industrial relations process is satisfactory.
In relation to financial viability, the TUI does not believe that the response to the minister adequately addressed the financial viability of the new TU and that a plan for €144 million in physical development gives no indication where these funds will be sourced.
It adds it's appalled at the lack of consultation, negotiation or discussion of proposed structures and bodies that will directly impact the academic staff of the MTU.
