Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1278. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the HEA analysis on the scale of precarious employment in higher education over time was commenced; when the analysis will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40279/21]
View answerI understand that the HEA confirmed in early May 2021 that it would meet with the HEI representative bodies in order to agree a definition of occasional staff, with a view to collecting data in respect of those staff. The HEA has confirmed that their meetings with the representative bodies are ongoing; that this is expected to lead to a revised reporting template for HEIs; and - given the complexity and challenges associated with defining and identifying casual/occasional staff - that it is likely to be Q4 2021 before revised reporting templates are in place.
My Department is also considering the question of precarious employment internally following the recent appearance by the HEA at the PAC. As I have highlighted before, there are a number of work streams which are relevant. I am engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and with the HEA regarding a revised employment control framework. The Deputy will be aware that we have established a subgroup of the national advisory forum for Ireland’s framework for doctoral education and the subgroup is considering the overall position as regards PhD students.
Building also on the ongoing work of the HEA, my Department will be engaging further with the Authority regarding analysis to reach definitive conclusions in order to inform how this issue can be further addressed.
