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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

University of Limerick whistleblowers

Summary

Deputy McGrath raised the suspension without pay of two University of Limerick whistleblowers despite reports supporting their concerns. The Minister said he was happy to engage and work with the Minister of State on the issue.

There are 26 Deputies offering. I call Deputy Michael McGrath.

Comment on this

As the Minister for Education and Skills will be aware, two staff members in the University of Limerick became whistleblowers. They are in dispute with the university. They raised issues relating to wrongful expenditure of public moneys. Their views were upheld by a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General and a report by Professor Richard Thorn who was appointed to report independently on the matter. These two women are suspended without pay, despite the university having undertaken to restore them to full employment and, to facilitate them in returning to work, giving them an assurance that they would not be returned to the university's finance department.

Mr. Kieran Mulvey was appointed to undertake mediation. Unfortunately, there has not been engagement. I understand that the university is attempting to put the two women back into the finance department having previously agreed not to do same. They should not be victimised because they became whistleblowers. I call on the Minister to become involved and seek to find a resolution to the matter as quickly as possible.

Comment on this
Joe McHugh Minister for Education and Skills Fine Gael

I am happy to do that. I have worked closely with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, who has responsibility for the higher education sector. I am happy to take the Deputy's constructive suggestion about getting involved.

Comment on this