Paddy Donegan, Former Chair City of Dublin VEC (Vocational Education Committee)

Authors

Paddy Donegan

Files

Publisher

Technological University Dublin

Description

Dublin is the birthplace of Paddy Donegan who served for many years as Chair of the City of Dublin VEC. In his very early days he worked at canvassing for Jim Larkin with his father prior to elections. Following his schooling, he got employment with the ESB during the Emergency, at the Pigeon House, and became secretary of the National Engineering Union. In 1954 he was elected as Assistant General Secretary of the Union, and two years later, became Chairman of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions. He joined the City of Dublin VEC in 1956 and was elected Chairman in 1967. He discusses his interest in the proposed Ballymun project, the setting up of the HEA in which he was very involved as Chairman, the National Council of Educational Awards and the formation of important committees. He also discusses the status of DIT during his tenure and his huge belief in the enthusiasm, resourcefulness and spirit of the people working there. In the second part of the recording Paddy Donegan recalls his time as a trade union official, his background in the Labour movement, policy making, and his involvement with the unions, invariably gaining their support. This was of huge importance to him in decision making. He says that the greatest stumbling block during his tenure as chairman of the City of Dublin VEC was the failure to succeed with the Ballymun project. He worked with the City of Dublin VEC for 32 years, spending 18 years as Chairman. He was awarded two Honorary Doctorates after his retirement.

Publication Date

2010-01-01

Keywords

audio, interviews, educationalists, third level, Ireland