Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a new policy of the Dublin Institute of Technology in relation to job vacancies which states, if you have a current or previous employment relationship in a non-permanent capacity with the Institute, you will not be deemed eligible to apply for this post; his views on whether this complies with the spirit of the European Employment Directive; if it is related as claimed to the employment control framework; if he is concerned about the implications for sustainability of existing research investment by the State and their ability to further invest in niche research expertise at the DIT; if he is further concerned that this will reduce the competitiveness of research in the DIT/ third-level sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Institutes of Technology are autonomous bodies and it is a matter for each institution to ensure that their policies and procedures are compliant with employment law. In that regard, I have been informed by Dublin Institute of Technology that it is satisfied that its policy as referred to in the Deputy's question is in accordance with employment law.

I would also like to clarify that the employment control framework operating in the higher education sector at present does not place any restrictions on the number of research posts provided the posts are fully funded from a particular research funding stream.

The Government remains committed to investing in research and innovation. Our higher education institutions have already developed significant research strengths, and through the implementation of the recently published research prioritisation report the Government aims to further enhance our capacity and competitiveness internationally.