An operational working group is to be established to help navigate difficulties arising from the continued provision of services in Institutes of technology and technological universities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The long-awaited working group will be made up of staff representatives, the technological sector, and the Department of Further and Higher Education. It will consider ways to optimise learning experiences during the extended pandemic period.

Fórsa official working in higher education, Stella Griffin, said it was a welcome initiative that showed a determination to underpin the important work being carried out by staff in the sector.

“The group will ensure that open communication channels are maintained to allow for issues arising in the transitional period to be addressed and to maintain a coherent and coordinated approach having regard for the sectoral priority needs and requirements,” she said.

The group will also look at supporting sectoral efforts to re-open institutions in accordance with public health guidelines to ensure a safe environment for learners and staff.

And it will aim to deliver the best possible service to learners, address the challenges and barriers to the resolution of the issues identified and to ensure the integrity and continuity of provision.

The group will consist of two representatives each from Fórsa, the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), and Teacher’s Union of Ireland (TUI). There will also be one representative each from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Higher Education Authority, TU Dublin, SIPTU and Unite.

The working group is set to be chaired by THEA chief executive Joseph Ryan, and will hold its initial meeting when terms of reference are agreed and nominations have been completed.

In a related development, Government ministers said last week that the number of technological universities may grow from two to five by this time next year, indicating an increase in the scope of activities from the possible expansion of the TU sector.

In 2015, Fórsa secured the terms and working conditions of members working in the sector, as well as ensuring that their roles in the technological universities are protected within the revised structures, following the passing of the Technological Universities Bill in the same year.