Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Third Level Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

35 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the DCU disciplinary statutes were enacted without consultation with the union, contrary to the provisions of the Universities Act, 1997; and his views on whether it should be the case that all disciplinary actions taken under the statute by DCU should be declared null and void by him and the staff involved restored to their full former positions with back pay. [26623/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The conduct of staff relations is a matter for each university, in accordance with section 25 of the Universities Act, 1997. It would not be appropriate, in that context, to comment on the status of individual disciplinary hearings. I understand from the Higher Education Authority that Dublin City University is satisfied that the new disciplinary procedures in the university were drafted under statute in accordance with all requirements of the Universities Act. I further understand that this has been the subject of a recent Labour Court recommendation and that further discussions are to take place between DCU and SIPTU in relation to detailed aspects of that recommendation. While I know of no basis for action on the lines proposed by the Deputy, in all of the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in any detail on the matter.