Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Technological Universities have been established to create a step-change in the delivery of higher-level skills, new knowledge creation, venture start-ups and collaborative innovation support for enterprise; and hence to meaningfully expand the higher education sector’s contribution to regional development.

To support the post-establishment development of TUs, the Higher Education Authority and my Department commissioned the OECD to conduct a review of academic career paths, contracts, and organisation design in TUs. I brought this report to Cabinet in December 2022, and it was subsequently published.

The report highlights a range of complex interconnected issues for consideration. These include the academic year basis of contracts, workload defined in terms of instructional hours without systemised recognition of research or engagement, instructional models out of step with international peers, the absence of professorial ranks, and the balance between academic staff and professional, management and support staff.

I am committed to introducing the recommendations of the OECD report, including professorship grades and a revised academic contract in Technological Universities, however it is important that this is done in a considered way, working through the complex range of interconnected issues.

In December, the Taoiseach and I met with the Presidents and Chairs of the technological universities to discuss these priority issues for enabling TUs in their development.

Officials in my Department are continuing to work closely with representatives of the technological universities and other stakeholders in progressing these issues.