Third Level Institutions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2016

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Questions (175)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of legal action current or pending initiated by the Institute of Technology in Tallaght, Dublin 24 whether on behalf of management or at the instigation of staff members as a group or as individuals; the nature and basis for any such action; if the subject matter or matters have or were referred for mediation; if legal costs arising will impact on the taxpayer or on the individual instigators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3448/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Third level institutions, including Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT), are autonomous institutions and my Department does not have any function in their day to day operational affairs, for which the Governing Bodies and the management staff of the institutions are responsible.

However, I understand from enquiries made by the Higher Education Authority of ITT, that there are sensitive individual HR issues being addressed by the Institute, with the advice of their legal advisors, ITT has not initiated any legal action against any of its employees. The cost of any such legal advice taken is a matter for the Institute. I also understand that where possible HR matters that arise at ITT are referred for mediation.