Madam, - In the wake of the Government decision to sign the UN Declaration of Human Rights for Persons with Disability, I feel it necessary to point out that the degree in Old Irish is not the only course to suffer under the "soulless utility and impertinent quantification" characteristic of administrative attitude in UCD (George Huxley, March 29th).
In 2004 UCD pioneered a certificate in citizenship and advocacy, which provided an opportunity for students with intellectual and other disabilities to study at third level alongside their peers. Advocates in the certificate studied modules as diverse as information technology, horticulture and environmental studies.
The certificate was the first of its kind in Europe, making UCD an international leader in both disability studies and self-advocacy. Moreover, in 2004 the certificate was awarded the O2 Ability Award.
Despite these achievements the certificate was suspended - without explanation - for the present academic year. Whether or not it was swallowed in the shift to a more modular and profitable institution remains unclear.
UCD's dedication to education over profit is less clear still, an incongruity for which its students will inevitably pay the price. - Yours, etc,
ALISON FLYNN, Grange Downs, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.