Sir, – "Merger of Catholic and Protestant colleges of education may be finalised by 2016" (Home News, May 9th) will have alerted readers to the imminent destruction of the Anglican Christian ethos of Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, and the Catholic Christian ethos of Mater Dei and St Patrick's College, Drumcondra. This is euphemistically called "incorporation", whereby the three colleges will become a secular institute of education on a single DCU campus by 2016.
This is a takeover of the three denominational colleges by secular DCU. However, it is also an abject capitulation by the governing bodies of the respective colleges to the demands of the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Education and Skills and those who promote a secularist agenda. There has been no consultation, no negotiation and no agreement with those most immediately concerned.
It is stated that the core curriculum will be “denominationally neutral”. This is a blatant contradiction of the essence of Christian education, which requires that the denominational ethos permeates the whole teaching and learning experience. It shows utter contempt for members of staff who have conscientiously upheld the Christian ethos of their college. The employment prospects, in denominational schools, of graduates of “denominationally neutral” education will be seriously diminished. A real concern for diversity would see the maintenance of Christian colleges of education and the provision of secular colleges as required.
As well as the fundamental issue of ethos, other crucially important matters relating to industrial relations, permanence of employment, career prospects, burden of work, redeployment, relocation, forced redundancy and forced retirement have been ignored.
The Mater Dei campus has been described as “surplus to requirements”. No doubt the Church of Ireland campus is similarly viewed. Christians and all others of good will would be well advised to speak up. – Yours, etc,
Dr CIARÁN Ó COIGLIGH,
Coláiste Phádraig,
Droim Conrach,
Duibhlinn 9.