University lecturers have defended their working hours and the length of their summer holidays in a submission to a new Government pay body.
Most academics, they say, find it difficult to take "actual" holidays. They claim lecturers who fail to use the summer months to conduct research do not get promoted.
The lecturers say there is a "myth" that academic holidays stretch from May until September. "The suggestion concerned is a nonsense," according to the submission to the Government's benchmarking pay review body by the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT).
The IFUT is seeking a substantial increase for its members, who include assistant lecturers, lecturers, senior lecturers and associate professors.
It does not specify a precise figure, but says it could be argued that academics should be compensated for losing fringe benefits available in the private sector.
The benchmarking body, which will report next year, compares public service pay to practices in the private sector.
The IFUT in its submission says: "The reality is that the length of holidays is no greater than in other sectors of the economy."
It adds: "Much of the summer period is consumed by examinations, with exam board meetings occurring until the end of June and resits taking place in mid August, naturally requiring preparation by staff beforehand.
"Administrative tasks such as student counselling and course planning must also be undertaken during the summer."
On working hours the lecturers say an inaccurate impression has been formed based solely on the number of lectures each year.
The submission also says academics often have to work in "cramped offices". It says this means many work at home, where it can be difficult "to store and consult some of one's materials". The pay and conditions enjoyed by university lecturers compare unfavourably with those in the private sector, the IFUT says.
Comparable professionals in the private sector enjoy a range of perks not always available to them including: a company car, a free mobile phone, car-parking, medical check-ups, share and stock options and subsidised loans.