Eighteen specific queries... the same generic response
THE MoS sent a detailed list of questions to the University of Limerick asking whether it has carried out any investigations against individuals named in the audit, or whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against staff. But the university, which offers under and postgraduate courses in journalism, did not respond to 18 specific queries, including whether any expenses borne by UL in paying over €90,000 for two online doctorates and three trips abroad by two staff have been recouped.
The audit criticised UL for presenting generic responses to RTÉ and for not presenting a ‘factual representation’ in relation to
procurement issues when contacted.
Responding to the MoS, a UL spokesman said: ‘UL commissioned this report by Deloitte as part of its comprehensive review of governance systems at the university undertaken by the new UL leadership in summer 2017.
‘The report was intended to be a robust and rigorous analysis of processes and practices at the university with the aim of helping to deliver the necessary improvements in governance that are now… under way at UL.
‘On receipt of the report last year UL shared it with both the HEA, the PAC and the Department. The report is also helping to inform the new leadership model currently being completed at the university…’