Statement from the Presidents of NUI Maynooth and DCU

 

The Presidents of NUI Maynooth and DCU have downplayed press reports that an international expert panel has recommended the merger of the two universities.  In a joint statement they have said that “This report is one input into a comprehensive process. We do not believe there is any intention on the part of Government to progress a proposal that our universities should merge, and we do not envisage any such merger occurring.  The HEA have issued a clarifying statement saying that the report contained “very useful analysis, insights and perspectives” but that the “specific institutional configuration recommended by the Panel does not accord with Government policy nor does it represent the views of the HEA.”

 

The President of NUI Maynooth, Professor Philip Nolan and the President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, have welcomed this clarification from the HEA. “We have worked hard to build a strong and meaningful partnership between DCU, NUI Maynooth and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland under the auspices of the 3U Partnership. We believe that this partnership delivers better outcomes more quickly, more sustainably, and at lower cost than a merger, and are glad that the HEA do not support such a merger."

Ends 25th Sept 2012