Third Level Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Questions (177)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

177. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the growing concerns regarding work and contract conditions among support staff in Trinity College; if he has met SIPTU and Unite representatives on the reason for these concerns; if not, when he plans to do so; the action he will take to ensure that low morale is addressed and fair employment practices are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2974/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Third-level institutions have autonomy in relation to human resource policies, subject to compliance with Government policy in respect of employment numbers and pay policy.  Employers in the higher education sector are also required to operate in accordance with the provisions of national industrial relations agreements.  My Department is not aware of any instance in which Trinity College Dublin is not operating in accordance with good practice in relation to work and contract conditions.  In the event that a union has concerns regarding work and contract conditions among staff in any university, that union can seek to have the matter addressed using the dispute resolution procedures provided for in the Haddington Road Agreement, and any individuals who have issues of dispute have a variety of dispute resolution options open to them.