Academics have announced their opposition to new controls on the third-level education system.

The Department of Education and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has been receiving pressure to abolish the restrictions on recruitment called the Employment Control Framework, the Irish Times reports.

Represented by the Irish Universities Association, seven university presidents have voiced their concern over the HEA having the final say on third-level staff appointments.

However, the HEA issued a statement saying: "The intention is to provide continuing recruitment and promotion freedom to the institutions in the context of the wider public service moratorium."

It added the rules allow the HEA to offer reassurance about the process of appointing education professionals.

In addition to this, the HEA is responsible for allocating grants to universities, institutes of technology and other learning facilities in Ireland, as well as encouraging the development of higher education in the nation.

Written by Donal Walsh  

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