SIPTU representatives have called on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Higher Education to launch an immediate examination into the decision to wind down Carlow College, St Patrick’s, as well as the flawed process that led to it.
The Union, representing almost 70% of the workforce at the historic institution, has argued that staff and their recognised trade union were entirely excluded from meaningful engagement until key decisions regarding the College’s future had already been finalised behind closed doors.
SIPTU representatives addressed the Oireachtas Committee and warned that the sudden decision leaves all 87 dedicated staff members facing redundancy over the next two years, after being presented with what was effectively a “fait accompli”.
Speaking in advance of the hearing in Leinster House, SIPTU Education Organiser, Yvonne McGrath, said: “Our members fully understood that the College faced financial challenges and they were entirely prepared to work constructively towards a sustainable, long-term future. Up to the very end, every indication given to us was that integration with the South East Technological University (SETU) remained the agreed strategic direction.
“Instead, our members were presented with a fait accompli, a decision to wind down the College through a two-year teach-out. This was delivered only after a Memorandum of Understanding had already been signed, effectively deciding the future of the College and its staff without a single shred of prior consultation or involvement.”
SIPTU representatives told Committee members that staff were systematically denied any meaningful opportunity to contribute to discussions on viable alternatives over the last four years, alternatives that could have protected stable employment and preserved the College’s generations of academic expertise.
The Union also strongly questioned why a multi-year integration process, which was actively embedded in the College’s own Strategic Plan, ultimately resulted in outright closure rather than a structured transfer of students, programmes, and staff into SETU.
Yvonne McGrath said: “The fundamental question remains completely unanswered. If integration was the strategic objective, why did it end with the unilateral closure of Carlow College and the destruction of every single job? Was every alternative, including the potential application of Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) regulations, properly and robustly examined?
“Most importantly, what is the future for this highly skilled workforce whose expertise has built this institution over generations? SIPTU will not stand by and allow workers to be cast aside without transparency.”