Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1716. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the establishment of professorships at the Technological Universities. [1481/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Thank you Deputy Byrne for your question on the establishment of professorships in Technological Universities. My Department considers the appointment of professorships to TU's as necessary for the full realisation of this sectors’ university status within the HEI landscape. Professorships are at the apex of an academic staffing structure necessary for leading innovation, research and regional development.

The establishment of this new grade in Technological Universities is a priority area of work in my Department as evidenced by its inclusion in the Draft Programme for Government (2025-2030).

DFHERIS is working closely with the sector on the development of draft inputs towards a national framework which specifies the responsibilities and performance for professorship roles in TUs. A series of meetings and union engagements are underway to progress this agenda. This work is drawing on the recommendations and principles of the 2022 OECD report. A consultation phase involving wider stakeholders is currently in planning by DFHERIS.