Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1168. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process followed for the appointment of the Chief Medical Officer as a professor at Trinity College, Dublin; if his attention has been drawn to similar posts appointed in this manner across Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19399/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1179. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if new professorship positions in universities should be advertised and filled through open competition; the reason that the professorship of public health strategy and leadership in Trinity College Dublin was not advertised and put to open competition; the remuneration that is being offered for this position; the funding that is being made available for this position; if full details of this arrangement between Trinity College and his Department will be made available; the educational requirements to become a professor within Irish universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19734/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1168 and 1179 together.
My Department had no involvement in the matter raised by the Deputy.
Higher education institutions are academically independent and regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes. The Code of Governance for Irish Universities states that ‘The role of the governing authority is governed in particular by Section 18, Universities Act, 1997 which determines that the functions of the governing authority of a university shall be: -- …-- to appoint the chief officer and such other employees as it thinks necessary for the purposes of the university, ….’.
Given academic autonomy, the requirements for appointment to academic appointments are a matter for the institutions themselves.
With respect to remuneration, public pay policy applies to universities, including in respect of secondments between public bodies.
