Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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73. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that all contracts issued to staff who teach and research in all higher education institutions are secure and provide for progression. [48750/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Third-level institutions have autonomy in relation to human resource policies, subject to the requirement to comply with employment legislation. Employers in the higher education sector are also required to operate in accordance with the provisions of national industrial relations agreements and any individuals who have issues of concern have a variety of dispute resolution options open to them to address issues with regards to contracts of employment.

My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HEA to consider contractual arrangements of those working in the higher education sector. This includes finalising a new higher education staffing agreement which will update the current employment framework and give particular consideration to the different categories of staff covered, alignment with new funding streams and contractual commitments.

In addition, discussions have taken place with staff representatives and other bodies in the sector, including the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland, as they also have a role to play.

While there are different factors that give rise to non-permanent staffing arrangements, I have sought to ensure the necessary information is examined to see how the issue can best be addressed. The HEA have undertaken to carry out analysis to establish the reasons for any non-permanent employment in the sector and any impacts it is having. We are also engaging with the higher education institutions through their representative bodies on issues related to teaching duties undertaken by postgraduate students.

My Department continues to interact with the relevant stakeholders in the sector, the Department of Public Expenditure and the HEA to progress the matters on contractual arrangements for those working in the higher education sector