Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the factors giving rise to non-permanent staffing arrangements other than the employment control framework as referenced in a recent contribution in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40278/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are many different factors giving rise to non-permanent staffing arrangements, which I understand are a feature of many higher education and research systems, and I have sought to ensure the necessary information is examined to see how the issue can best be addressed.

The Department has engaged with representative bodies of the Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and been advised that there are a number of factors that would lead HEIs to engage the services of temporary or casual teaching staff. These may include short-term replacement for sick leave and other leave, new activities, growth in student numbers, diverse sources of funding, or philanthropic activity. Those with full-time jobs elsewhere in the private and public sector are sometimes used in the HE sector in hourly-paid positions e.g. as visiting lecturers or as a way of bringing current expertise into the lecture theatre or tutorial room. It is also understood that some staff are engaged as exam invigilators, or to provide temporary cover at short notice due to staff absences.

As highlighted before, my Department is engaging with the HEA so that the necessary data can be collected and analysed in order to reach definitive conclusions to inform next steps in this important matter.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1278. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the HEA analysis on the scale of precarious employment in higher education over time was commenced; when the analysis will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40279/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the HEA confirmed in early May 2021 that it would meet with the HEI representative bodies in order to agree a definition of occasional staff, with a view to collecting data in respect of those staff.  The HEA has confirmed that their meetings with the representative bodies are ongoing; that this is expected to lead to a revised reporting template for HEIs; and - given the complexity and challenges associated with defining and identifying casual/occasional staff  - that it is likely to be Q4 2021 before revised reporting templates are in place.

My Department is also considering the question of precarious employment internally following the recent appearance by the HEA at the PAC.  As I have highlighted before, there are a number of work streams which are relevant.  I am engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and with the HEA regarding a revised employment control framework.  The Deputy will be aware that we have established a subgroup of the national advisory forum for Ireland’s framework for doctoral education and the subgroup is considering the overall position as regards PhD students. 

Building also on the ongoing work of the HEA, my Department will be engaging further with the Authority regarding analysis to reach definitive conclusions in order to inform how this issue can be further addressed. 

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1279. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a new higher education staffing agreement will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40280/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Officials in my Department are engaging with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Higher Education Authority to agree principles for a new Higher Education Staffing Agreement. This committee intends to be in a position to consult with all stakeholders in Q4 2021 prior to any agreement being finalised.

A new Staffing Agreement will update the current Employment Control Framework and give particular consideration to :

- the different categories of staff covered;

- alignment with new funding streams and contractual commitments in the sector; and- the need for staffing decisions taken in the higher education sector to be affordable and sustainable both from a higher education perspective and also from an Exchequer and wider public service staffing and pension perspective.

My Department will continue to interact with the sector, the HEA and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to make progress in the light of employment data across the sector and the potential to improve the sustainability of arrangements within the resources available.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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1280. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 360 of 24 June 2021, the number of both research and academic staff in the sector; the working definition of both research and academic staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40281/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I understand from data provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in returns made for 31 Dec 2020 that the total number (whole time equivalent or WTE) of academic staff in the HE sector was 15,147.17.  This is broken down into Core Academic staff numbers of 10,668.95 WTE and Academic research and specialist numbers of 4478.217 WTE.

With regards to a definition for researcher and academic respectively, the Deputy will understand that there is considerable overlap in the work of research and academia, with many individuals engaged to some extent in both areas.  Consequently this does not lend itself to easy definition.  While contract researchers would be appointed on specific purpose contracts, academic staff across the university sector are expected to undertake research and to supervise research students as part of their role.  

In light of the above, my Department is engaging with the HEA who collates data from the sector, in order to establish the approach applied by the Authority to categorise as academic or researcher or otherwise, when collating data for public sector staff returns.  My officials will revert with further material to the Deputy once this engagement is complete.