Jen Cummins
Ceist:625. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address precarious contracts for teaching staff. [66950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 11 December 2025
Ceisteanna (625)
Freagraí scríofa
I am aware that academic career precarity can be a concern for those who work in the higher education sector.
It is however important to acknowledge that both our traditional and technological universities have autonomy in respect of human resource polices and that this operational freedom and flexibility is crucial in allowing them to fulfil their mission. There are many good reasons why not every post is filled on a permanent, full-time basis. These include secondments; time-bound or project-based roles; and short-term cover for sick leave and similar absences.
However, while acknowledging these operational realities, I am committed to addressing the challenge of precarity through increased, sustainable long-term funding, including through the Funding the Future framework. In addition to that, I am working with my officials to ensure more staff can be recruited into the sector. This is reflected in the increase in the ceiling for core-funded, permanent posts to over 23,800 in 2025.
It is only through such sustained, planned investment that it is possible to follow through on the commitment to provide stable and fulfilling employment for staff and to avoid the creation of a two-tier workplace.