Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that the board of Trinity College Dublin has decided that the majority of members of the college staff will no longer be eligible for natural promotion; his further views on the fact that permanent contracts are no longer to be offered to members of the college support and administrative staff and that the non replacement of staff is leading to an onerous increase in workload for many staff members; his plans to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10757/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Following enquiries from my officials, I understand that discussions are taking place locally and under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission between Trinity College Dublin and the unions that are addressing the concerns of staff. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on these issues while these discussions are ongoing.

In May 2016 I welcomed the publication of the Report of the Chair of the Expert Group on Fixed Term and Part-Time issues in Lecturing in Ireland. The Report contains a number of recommendations that will assist in addressing concerns raised about the level of part-time and fixed-term employment in lecturing in the third level sector.

My Department issued directions to the sector on the 4th July 2016 to implement the recommendations contained in the report in accordance with the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement and my understanding is that the Institutions are taking steps to do so.

The above-mentioned Report is specific to concerns raised about part-time and fixed-term employment in lecturing and its recommendations are not applicable to non-lecturing grades.

In line with the Universities Act, 1997, third-level institutions have autonomy in relation to human resource policies, subject to compliance with Government policy in respect of employment numbers and pay policy.  Employers in the higher education sector are also required to operate in accordance with the provisions of national industrial relations agreements.