TRINITY College Dublin (TCD) has defended the promotion of 27 senior academics – in the face of criticism that the move runs counter to the promotions embargo across the public service.
The promotions – agreed by Trinity’s board last month – come as colleges struggle to cope with the 6 per cent cut in recruitment under the Employment Control Framework.
For the academics in question the promotions will be worth an extra €4,000 to €10,000 per year.
The Department of Education has questioned the move. A spokesperson said it had sought details, through the Higher Education Authority, with a view to “ensur- ing compliance by all institutions with the promotions embargo”.
Trinity says “the promotion process, arising from which these members of academic staff were successful, commenced in November 2008 before the (promotion) moratorium was implemented in April 2009. They were recommended in relation to the 2008/09 cycle.”
The academics have been promoted to the positions of senior lecturer (17), associate professor (7) and professor (3).
They have been promoted in title only for the duration of the current Employment Control Framework.