Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

Ceisteanna (616)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

616. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy concerning the use of the title 'Professor' by adjunct professors of university departments who are full-time public servants and not directly employed by the university; the policy concerning whether the title 'Professor' can be used by public servants outside their university roles on official documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41331/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My department does not have a policy on the use of the term professor, but individual universities, as autonomous institutions, have developed and adopted their own policies in relation to academic titles. These are intended to ensure that such titles are meaningful to both an internal and external audience and accurately reflect the academic standing of an individual.

As the Deputy will be aware, the authority of a civil or public servant to perform their duties flows from the relevant legislation and the individual’s role within an organisation rather than from the use of any particular title.