Report from the Partnership Committee following its meeting held on Monday 22nd November 2004

Attendees:    

Management             Non-Union                 Trade Unions

Prof G Doyle                                          Mr G Hayden (Amicus- MSF)

Mr M Flanagan            Ms B Molony         Mr J Colley (INPTU)

                                                         Mr T Murtagh (SIPTU)

Prof B McKenna                                    Mr P Cahill (SIPTU)

Ms S McGrath                                       Mr J Dunnion (IFUT)

Dr P Ryan (IFUT)

Absent:                                                           Ms H Gallagher (SIPTU)

Dr J McCafferty

Ms P Corrigan            

Mr T Boucher (TEEU                                                            

Ms B  Moran (Amicus-MSF)                          

Mr A O’Connor (SIPTU)

Mr P O’Reilly (Amicus- MSF)                          Guests:

Prof Patrick Gibbons

1        Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes were agreed

2        Matters Arising

JC raised the issue of why representatives of the manual staff were not invited to attend the last meeting of the Committee which approved the Progress Report. It was agreed that all members of the Committee would attend all meetings required for the submission of these Reports.

3        Crèche

Professor Mary Clayton, VP for Student Affairsis has agreed to meet the Partnership Committee to discuss the Crèche facilities at UCD John Dunnion and Bronwyn Molony were nominated to represent the Committee at the meeting.

4        Washington Advisory Group (WAG)

Prof Patrick Gibbons outlined the principal findings of the WAG report to the partnership committee.  Prof Gibbons explained that the Wag report is only one part of the ongoing strategic plan for the University which is based on cross-functional dialogue.

Prof Gibbons highlighted key observations from the report including priority of activities in UCD, the suggestion of some restructuring of both academic and administration and the need for reduced dependency on government funding.

The question was raised will there be diversity in sources of funding. PG replied that as there is excessive reliance in government funding, the University is likely to require alternative  Alumni and Industry funding.

JD asked were does the report go from here. PG stated that there will be a draft strategic plan and the partnership committee will have an opportunity to discuss.  The Partnership Committee will also be engaged when the strategy is being developed

HG Stated that there had been a lack of input in the whole process from non- academic staff

PG stated that the WAG report was only one input into the development of the strategic plan.  There are various access points for staff to make a contribution including through the UCD website.

PG went on to state that students will have access to the campus in UCD for longer periods.  The question was then raised is there a need for this facility.  Its important to look at 24/7 access if students stay for weekends and in promote a campus atmosphere .  Also look at 24/7 graduates and postgraduates.  Implementation of the plan is when issues will rise

There are three things to be achieved continue to improve, enhance efficiency, establish a brand.

5        AOB

MF indicated to the Committee that the Xmas dinner had been arranged for Thursday 2^nd December 2004 and that he hoped everyone would be able to attend.

No further business

6        Next Meeting

Between 7^th and 21^st December 2004 for a further briefing on the WAG Report