Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Brien stated that a claim has been lodged with the Labour Relations Commission. Therefore, I must be careful as to my engagement with the matter. None of us is happy to hear that there are concerns. The criteria for the various stages of the process were always very clear from the start, such as the bar that had to be reached in order to move from one stage to the next. I do not think any of the institutions were in any doubt that this was the process. There has been wide consultation. The Higher Education Authority is dealing with the issue directly with the institutions and an outside body has set certain standards which must be achieved. The process is clear. My direct involvement may not be appropriate at this stage but I hope there will be engagement, in particular, by the two institutions in the Munster region.

With regard to the south east where there have been issues, I have appointed Michael Kelly to engage with all stakeholders, including those working in the institutions, those who run them, local interests and local public representatives. That process is under way in the south east. The issues in the south, in Munster, need to be addressed by way of consultation. It may not be appropriate at this stage for me to meet the trade union representing the staff.

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