Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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740. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the OECD Report entitled: ‘A Review of Technological University Academic Career Paths, Contracts and Organisation in Ireland’ will be published; if he intends to implement the recommendations in it as a matter of urgency; if he has plans to initiate a review of the current academic contract in technological universities, with a view to the early publication and implementation of recommendations contained in the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22493/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The OECD review of academic career structures, academic contracts and senior management and leadership structures in Irish technological universities (TUs) was published on 16 December 2022 following the Cabinet's noting of the insights provided by the OECD in setting out the strengths and differences evident between Irish TUs and comparator institutions internationally by Cabinet. A copy of the report can be accessed at :

www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/a-review-of-technological-university-academic-career-paths-contracts-and-organisation-in-ireland_2b7ee217-en

Both TUs and staff representatives in the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, have fed into the OECD work and were briefed by the OECD on same during the preparation of the report.

Detailed engagement is taking place between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and Reform on the findings of the report as well as ongoing engagement by officials in my Department with the relevant sectoral stakeholders as deemed appropriate at this juncture.

Upon conclusion of the relevant engagements, the next key step is that I will bring a Memorandum to Government with recommendations to effect the necessary transformative changes in our TUs based on my consideration of the OECD report and related matters.

This is not an easy or uncomplicated process but given its critical importance to delivering fully on the TU agenda it requires us all to take the time and care to follow the correct approach in a measured and considered fashion.

I wish to thank all the partners and stakeholders involved in this process to date including Government colleagues, relevant Departments' officials, TU managements and staff representatives and I look forward to progressing the continued engagements I have outlined such as will result in the optimum outcome for the technological sector as a whole and its constituent institutions, staff, students and wider stakeholders.