Ireland’s third level Catholic colleges could disappear under Government proposals unless Church leaders take 
a stand, according to a leading Catholic academic.
Prof. Eamonn Conway, Head of Theology at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, told The Irish Catholic that plans to streamline the country’s higher education sector could signal the end of Catholic colleges.
And he called on Catholic bishops to oppose the Government’s moves in this direction.
The proposals follow on from recommendations made by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to Education Minister Ruairí Quinn.
The HEA’s report calls for the consolidation of the Institute of Technology (IT) sector; the creation of a small number of technological universities; and the formation of regional clusters between universities and stronger ITs.
However, this could put an end to stand-alone Catholic colleges which may be forced to close given the proposed plan’s lack of provision for such institutes.
“It is both bizarre and worrying that the document makes no reference to the many colleges in the country under Catholic trusteeship,” Prof. Conway said.
“It is now time for a co-ordinated response from the Bishops and trustees of Catholic third-level institutes to protect their Catholic identity,” he said.
Prof. Conway said: “Some rationalisation of provision at third level is inevitable, but it is perfectly legitimate for the State to fund Catholic third level institutes as happens in many other countries.
“Our goal should be to guarantee a small number of Catholic colleges with a genuinely Catholic nature,” he said.
Prof. Conway added: “It is not just Catholic education, but education itself that is under threat.
“Catholic campuses can be very important places for dialogue between faith and culture,” he said.
“Catholic education offers something very distinct as it is rooted in the understanding of the dignity of the human person.
“If the Government is truly committed to diversity of education it must work to make provision for Catholic education.”