asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the practice in University College, Dublin, of creating associate professorships at salaries of £11,400 to £14,236 which are not open to outside competition but which are intended as promotional posts for existing staff; if he will identify the university statute creating such post; and if he will made a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - UCD Associate Professorships
29.
: The appointment of professors, associate professors and statutory lecturers in University College, Dublin, is regulated by Chapter XII of the colleges' charter. This provides for the public advertisement of such posts and the procedures by which they are filled, including the final vote by the Senate of the National University of Ireland which determines the appointment. University College Dublin, had at the end of 1979 a total of 18 associate professors. They were appointed in accordance with the following statutes of the college:
LX—Chapter 2; LXV—Chapter 1; LXXXII—Chapter 1; XCV—Chapter 2; CIV—Chapter 4.
In accordance with the Irish Universities Act, 1908 all such statutes are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and this requirement has been complied with in all cases.
: Is the Minister aware that in a number of recent advertisements in connection with such posts the applicants could be told that the competition was solely to comply with the statutes?
: I am not so aware.
: Is the Minister aware that even a famous associate professor, even a Nobel prize winner, from outside need not apply?
: I am not so aware.
: Will the Minister kindly take steps to inform himself about this? Would he inquire whether the particular statute of the university, though honoured in the letter, is not being honoured in the spirit?
: I am not aware of any irregularities in the appointments of professors.
: Does the Minister support the concept of filling posts of associate professorships purely from within without any possibility of applicants from without being considered?
: I am not aware that is the procedure.
: Would the Minister ask the HEA to investigate and to report to him?
: I can do that.
: Would the Minister communicate with me on this?
: Right.