The Department of Education and Science says it is reviewing 75-year-old legislation which is at the heart of a dispute over an academic appointment at NUI Galway.
A High Court case involving the university's application of an Irish-language test for new appointments is due to be heard on January 19th, following an injunction obtained earlier this month by one of the college staff.
Under an Act dating back to 1929, the university offers an Irish test to candidates for new posts as part of its commitment to the language.
The test comprises an essay and oral exam and is not compulsory.
However, successful performance in it can boost a candidate's chances of being appointed.
Dr Pat Morgan, current Dean of Science, had taken the test four times successfully when she was failed in a recent interview for the post of vice-president for research.
Both Dr Morgan and another candidate, Prof Roy Green, who is Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, had been assessed by a panel as suitable for the post. Prof Green, who has worked abroad, had opted not to take the test, whereas Dr Morgan did.
The panel voted by four votes to three in favour of Prof Green.
Dr Morgan sought a High Court injunction to stop the appointment on the grounds that no standard is set for the Irish exam, and the final duties of her post had not been agreed on the day she was interviewed.
Ironically, the university, which is not commenting on the issue, had already made moves to have the test dropped and had submitted a request to the former minister for education, Mr Dempsey. Colleagues of Dr Morgan said that the continued existence of such an exam was an anachronism.
