Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1277. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the factors giving rise to non-permanent staffing arrangements other than the employment control framework as referenced in a recent contribution in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40278/21]
View answerThere are many different factors giving rise to non-permanent staffing arrangements, which I understand are a feature of many higher education and research systems, and I have sought to ensure the necessary information is examined to see how the issue can best be addressed.
The Department has engaged with representative bodies of the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and been advised that there are a number of factors that would lead HEIs to engage the services of temporary or casual teaching staff. These may include short-term replacement for sick leave and other leave, new activities, growth in student numbers, diverse sources of funding, or philanthropic activity. Those with full-time jobs elsewhere in the private and public sector are sometimes used in the HE sector in hourly-paid positions e.g. as visiting lecturers or as a way of bringing current expertise into the lecture theatre or tutorial room. It is also understood that some staff are engaged as exam invigilators, or to provide temporary cover at short notice due to staff absences.
As highlighted before, my Department is engaging with the HEA so that the necessary data can be collected and analysed in order to reach definitive conclusions to inform next steps in this important matter.
