University of Limerick and Revenue have signed a contract for a new Diploma in Applied Tax Administration, continuing a ‘unique partnership’ between the institutions.
It comes as close to 200 Revenue students graduate at UL this Monday from the Diploma in Applied Taxation, BA (Hons) in Applied Taxation and MBA programmes.
UL President Dr Des Fitzgerald and Revenue Chairman Niall Cody signed the Service Level Agreement to accredit the new diploma for five years – with an option to extend for a further two years – at a ceremony in Plassey House this Monday.
In addition, UL and Revenue signed a separate contract for the delivery of Commercial Law and Company Law modules, delivered as part of the diploma programme.
The partnership between UL and Revenue, the first of its kind for the Irish Civil Service, has been in existence since 2004, delivering a number of programmes at both diploma and degree level.
To date, close to 1,500 Revenue employees have graduated from UL.
Speaking at the signing, UL President Dr Des Fitzgerald, said: “This is a renewal of a unique partnership between our organisations that has already yielded a large amount of graduates who are part of UL’s journey in transforming education and Revenue’s journey in delivering some of the most efficient taxation services in Europe.
“The renewal of this partnership stems from UL’s commitment to professional and executive education across a range of areas. Our partnership with Revenue has flourished since 2004 when we first established the accreditation of the Diploma in Applied Taxation. Now we will see a new programme and this partnership is an exemplar of a transformation in content and in the delivery of bespoke professional programmes.
“Programmes that are developed with professional partners and are designed to meet the needs and requirements of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s leaders,” he added.
Revenue Chairman Niall Cody said it was a “special day” both to mark the graduation of students and to sign the agreement to support the delivery of the new applied diploma, which will commence in September of this year.
Mr Cody noted the importance to the State of the work undertaken by Revenue and its effectiveness in supporting compliance and confronting non-compliance depends on the skills, capability and professionalism of its staff.
He said the deepening relationship with UL would help Revenue employees to respond to the rapidly changing business environment by continually investing in their learning and development.
“I would like to acknowledge the significant on-going contribution of this partnership. This shared commitment to educational development is evidenced in the enhanced technical knowledge, skills and professionalism of our Revenue workforce,” he said.
“We enjoy a very positive relationship with the Kemmy Business School and I look forward to its continuing success.
“The shared objectives are to ensure that the content, format, structure and delivery of the programmes serve Revenue’s ever-changing business requirements and equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed at work and to support students in achieving their career ambitions,” he added.
The National Centre for Taxation Studies, which falls under the Department of Accounting and Finance in the Kemmy Business School, manages the partnership. Director of the Centre, Tom Collins, said: “All of us at UL are very proud of this most successful and pioneering partnership with Revenue. We are delighted to have been associated with the educational development of such a dedicated group of students over the last 16 years and warmly appreciate the opportunity to extend our partnership.
“I would like to acknowledge the cooperation and collaboration of colleagues in the Kemmy Business School and School of Law in winning this contract. UL is well recognised as a University which meets the needs of industry, and our partnership with Revenue is a shining example of this approach.
“I have no doubt that this partnership will contribute to the professionalism and business focus of Revenue, who have been the outstanding achievers in our public service in the past,” he added.
