My Department has been informed by the University of Limerick that the issue has arisen due to a misinterpretation of Circular 07/2019 resulting in the application of additional increments to a number of staff, in advance of their due date, across a 12-month period between March 2019 and January 2020. The University became aware of the issue in January 2021 and undertook a detailed review of the files to ensure a full understanding of the extent of the error and the remedial actions required.
The University of Limerick has been in discussions with my Department and I will be briefed on the matter shortly. I understand that the University indicated that significant engagement with the affected staff has taken place and that information in relation to this matter was brought to the attention of those affected throughout 2021, with the first contacts in April 2021.
I understand that the approach recommended by UL in the majority of cases is that the person remain on their existing rate of pay for a set period to allow the correction of the misapplication to take place over time, however I also understand that a number of staff elected to make immediate payments which were then processed in late December.
The University has assured my officials that it is working to deal with every case in an open, fair and reasonable manner and that every effort is being made to bring this issue to a speedy resolution and conclusion for all staff affected.
