Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has considered creating the role of professor within the new technological universities in order that these institutions might fulfil their research ambitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26681/23]
View answerThe OECD review of academic career structures, academic contracts and senior management and leadership structures in Irish technological universities (TUs) was published on 16 December 2022 following the Cabinet's noting of the insights provided by the OECD in setting out the strengths and differences evident between Irish TUs and comparator institutions internationally by Cabinet.
Both TUs and staff representatives in the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, fed into the OECD work and were briefed by the OECD on same during the preparation of the report.
Detailed engagement is taking place between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the findings of the report, which includes the recommended establishment of professor and associated grades, as well as ongoing engagement by officials in my Department with the relevant sectoral stakeholders.
Upon conclusion of the relevant engagements, the next key step is that I will bring a Memorandum to Government with recommendations to effect the necessary transformative changes in our TUs based on my consideration of the OECD report and related matters.
This is not an easy or uncomplicated process but given its critical importance to delivering fully on the TU agenda it requires us all to take the time and care to follow the correct approach in a measured and considered fashion.
I wish to thank all the partners and stakeholders involved in this process to date including Government colleagues, relevant Departments' officials, TU managements and staff representatives and I look forward to progressing the continued engagements I have outlined such as will result in the optimum outcome for the technological sector as a whole and its constituent institutions, staff, students and wider stakeholders.
