Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the university and institute of technology heads and thank them for coming. Before I start the questioning, I acknowledge that the environment in which they all operate has changed dramatically in recent years. According to the figures, their budgets and staff levels have reduced dramatically, while their student numbers have risen significantly. They are to be commended, therefore, for maintaining their levels of educational achievement throughout this period. There are a number of issues which have come up in the report, which is why they have been asked to come forward. I note that my alma mater, NUI Galway, has escaped being sanctioned or called. I can only assume that it has a good reputation.

I want to start with the issue of the 27 staff promotions at Trinity College. According to the report, a decision was made in 2008 to start looking at internal promotions. That process was brought to a conclusion in 2009 and those to be promoted were identified. The HEA states the employment control framework in place at the time prevented such a course being taken; nevertheless, a decision was still made to go ahead with the promotion of 27 staff, albeit at a later time in 2011. The HEA has disagreed with the provost's assessment that this was permissible, yet the provost states he went ahead with the promotions in good faith. On what basis did he act in good faith in making the decision to go ahead?