PAC hearing gave an interesting insight in DkIT

SENIOR management at Dundalk Institute of Technology, including President Ann Campbell, were recently before the Public Accounts Committee in Leinster House. Their appearance was part of a process in which third level institutes right around the country were also before this powerful committee.

It was a challenging and forensic examination by the Committee during which the officials were under scrunity and we got an insight into the running of the Institute which is not generally otherwise available.

Dundalk Institute of Technology is a jewel in our crown here in Dundalk.

It has huge value for the local area, providing a quality third level educational institute right on our doorstep for local students, as one of the biggest employers in the area it provides invaluable local employment for hundreds of staff and we hear time and time again that the presence of DkIT in the town was a key factor in helping to attract foreign direct investment.

However the hearing did show up a number of areas of concern, both for the Institute itself and those in the region who have an interest in seeing the region prosper.

Funding is a big issue of conern for all third level institutes and the financial situation in DkIT remains in a challenging position, with a current debt of €3.2m.

DkIT saw its central funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) cut by 34% between 2007 and 2012 and was no longer able to meet its obligations from 2013 onwards and while there was a small surplus in the last year, they have not been able to reduce their level of debt.

Interesting questions were also asked in relation to DkITs’ failed attempt to develop a sports stadium in partnership with Louth GAA and how much money these plans had cost.

The TDs also concentrated on the purchasing of the former JJB Sports facilities for DkIT and the relationship with RTE who are tenants on the campus and have a regional studio in the Carrolls Building.

Eyebrows were raised in the hearing however about the numbers of overseas students which it is a multiple of the number of students from Newry and Northern Ireland who attend DkIT.

Pertinent questions were also asked about the lengthly recruitment process for a new President to permanently replace Denis Cummins which has already seen one interview process fail to identify a successor.