Friday, 16.01.2009
Extra CIT cuts on the cards

FURTHER cuts in services at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) may be forced on management by its budgetary situation despite rowing back on an expected reduction in lecture times. CIT president Dr Brendan Murphy advised staff this week that proposals made in November to reduce lectures from an hour to 50 minutes were being taken off the table because cost savings had been made elsewhere.

However, unions and management are continuing negotiations on further savings which will be required for the remainder of the academic year.

Some non-permanent lecturers did not have their contracts renewed last autumn, and it is understood that a key element of the ongoing talks will be trying to avoid similar staff cuts.

However, measures are likely to be implemented at University College Cork to overturn its €12 million shortfall from last year.

The savings options may include non-renewal of non-permanent contracts, reduced opening of the library as well as cuts to publications.