Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
146. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the rate of progress in the seven universities of the implementation of the Cush report; the reason there are delays in the operation of the report in the universities; if parity of esteem for other workers employed in universities with two years service will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6312/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Chair of the Expert Group on Fixed Term and Part-Time issues in Lecturing in Ireland was published in May 2016 and the Report contains a number of recommendations that will assist in addressing concerns raised about the level of part-time and fixed-term employment in lecturing in the third level sector. My Department issued directions to the sector on 4 July 2016 to implement the recommendations contained in the report in accordance with the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement and my understanding is that the Institutions are taking steps to do so. If a union representing lecturing grades believes that a university is not implementing the recommendations contained within the Report of the Chair of the Expert Group, that union can seek to have the matter addressed using the dispute resolution procedures provided for in the Public Service Agreement.
The above-mentioned Report is specific to concerns raised about part-time and fixed-term employment in lecturing and its recommendations are not applicable to non-lecturing grades. My Department is not aware of any issues regarding non-lecturing grades.
