Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2015
493. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the issue of gender inequality in the National University of Ireland Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17616/15]
View answerI have welcomed the response of NUI Galway in unreservedly accepting the ruling of the Equality Tribunal last November in the case of Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, and in establishing a Task Force to address related issues. Discrimination against women in the workplace is unacceptable in any setting and the issues brought to light in that case are of serious concern to me.
The membership of the Task Force, which I understand met for the first time at the end of March, has the breadth of experience and expertise required to allow it to comprehensively examine all of the issues involved. Furthermore, I am satisfied that the ability of the Task Force to set its own terms of reference, and to operate independently of the management of the university itself, will allow the Task Force to provide strong and insightful advice on policies and practices relating to gender equality issues directly to the University's Governing Authority.
It is now the responsibility of NUI Galway to engage with the student body and staff to ensure that the Task Force has the broadest possible support for its important work.
