Twelve places at DCU’s School of Nursing will now be ringfenced for nursing studies graduates from Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) as Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) announced the signing of an historic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DCU and DIFE.
At the signing of an historic Memorandum of Agreement between the Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) and Dublin City University (DCU) on Tues 5 Sept 23 was Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education,Research, Innovation and Science with (front row, l/r) Professor Blanaid White, dean of strategic learning innovation at DCU, Professor Veronica Lambert, head of school at DCU and David McDonnell,principal, Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE). Back row: Professor Daire Keogh, president, DCU and Martin O’Brien, chief executive, Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB)
The five-year Agreement will benefit students who graduate from DIFE’s pre–university nursing studies course beginning with the class of 2023/24, subject to certain criteria being met. The Agreement is underpinned by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) and DCU in July 2023.
The announcement is in line with government policy of facilitating progression pathways between Further and Higher Education. It also responds to DFHERIS policy on a unified tertiary sector introduced by Minister Simon Harris earlier this year. Minister Harris identified the introduction of this policy as a “gamechanger” and a “momentous day for third level education in Ireland.”
The agreement is part of the response to the recommendations of the Geiran report, which set out an ambition to ‘Create a bridge to a Better Future’ for Drogheda. The need for a Higher Education presence and clear and transparent pathways to third level for the people of Drogheda is a key recommendation of the Geiran report.
Martin G. O’Brien, chief executive, Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) said “LMETB looks forward to the development of significant linkages between DCU and DIFE that will enhance the excellent working relationships that have already been established. This Agreement will facilitate LMETB and DCU to work in partnership towards the enhancement of tertiary provisions for the Drogheda and surrounding catchment area. The importance of providing pathways for FET Learners that allows ease of access and opportunity to transition to DCU courses is a significant development and is in keeping with the ambition of LMETB and the Department of Justice commissioned Geiran report. “
Sadie Ward McDermott, director of Further Education and Training (FET) at LMETB also welcomed the signing of the MOA and said, “It further develops the Partnership between DIFE LMETB and DCU. LMETB is committed to the development of Tertiary provision in the region to enable and support ease of access and progression Pathways between FET and Higher Education. This partnership will serve the region well and is the basis on which to build and strengthen active working relations as we move forward into a very bright and exciting future for both institutions.”
Prof Daire Keogh, president of Dublin City University, said “DCU is deeply committed to the development of a unified system of Tertiary Education to maximise learner opportunity and regional prosperity. Towards this end, and in response to the recommendations of the Geiran Report, I am delighted to sign this agreement with DIFE, and I look forward to a flourishing partnership that will enrich our region.”
In concluding remarks, David Mc Donnell, principal of Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) drew attention to the difference that the MOA will make to the lives of DIFE students. He said “Historically, Further Education and Training (FET) nursing graduates were forced into a random selection process for limited college places or to apply through UCAS to study nursing abroad. Today’s agreement will provide 12 FET Nursing graduates each year from Drogheda and surrounding areas with the opportunity to study, work and live at home with significant benefits to themselves, their families and wider society. The MOA is the first of many planned agreements between DCU and DIFE in a partnership that is destined to thrive and prosper