Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

324 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline the method of calculation of income used for determining incremental credit for staff appointments at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, Dublin 24, in view of the fact that at least one member of staff (details supplied) has been unable to get the information in Dublin 24 from the college authorities. [13442/00]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

325 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that all staff appointments at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, Dublin 24, are on an open basis; and if his Department has received any representations on staff appointments at the college. [13443/00]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

326 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the method of calculation of income used for determining incremental credit for staff appointments at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, Dublin 24, is the same for all appointments across all Departments; and if he will have investigations made into the matter. [13444/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 to 326, inclusive, together.

Under the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992 to 1999, the governing body and the director of an institute of technology are responsible for the management and control of the affairs of the institute. The appointment of staff of the institutes is governed by section 11(1)(b) of the 1992 Act. Under this section the selection and appointment of staff is a function of the institute in accordance with the procedures determined by the Minister from time to time. The selection procedures, as approved by the Minister, stipulate that all vacancies must be advertised. The institute is responsible for ensuring strict compliance with the approved procedures.

The calculation of starting pay for academic staff is a matter for the institute of technology in accordance with the conditions as set out in appendix C of Memo V7. These conditions apply to all institutes of technology and would be available to the staff from the Institutes. A copy of appendix C follows for the Deputy's information.

My Department has received no representations on staff appointments at the Institute of Technology in Tallaght this year. My Department has been in contact with the institute and has been assured that all appointments are being made in accordance with the approved procedures.

APPENDIX C.

CONDITIONS FOR THE AWARD OF INCREMENTS TO ACADEMIC STAFF.

1.The normal expectation is and will continue to be that appointees will be admitted to the relevant salary scale at the minimum point of the scale.

2.The main, if not, the only, circumstances to be taken into account in recommending salary above the minimum in any particular case are that that proposed appointee has (i) experience which may be regarded as appropriate to the requirements of the appointment being offered and deemed to be of comparable level and-or (ii) experience in business, industry or other analogous fields of a character and at a level which, for the purposes of the grant of incremental credit, may by equated with the experience mentioned at (i) and (iii) earnings in the twelve month period prior to appointment which exceed the minimum point of the relevant scale. Claimed earnings must be supported by confirmation from the Revenue Commissioners.

3.In any appointment the number of increments to be awarded above the minimum point of the appropriate salary scale may not exceed five, the sixth point of the scale, except with the express approval of the Department of Education and Science.

4.The attached circular letters set out the conditions for the award of incremental credit for previous teaching service.