Minister Harris invites expressions of interest to fill vacancies on the Senate of the National University of Ireland (NUI)

Minister Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris today invited expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill three vacancies on the Senate of the National University of Ireland (NUI).

The current vacancies are for two male and one female member.

Appointments to the Senate by the government are for a term not exceeding five years.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

The process of filling the vacancies on the NUI Senate is being managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. A detailed Information Booklet is available and Expressions of interest may be made by submitting a Curriculum Vitae and detailed cover letter to boardvacancies@dfheris.gov.ie

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 5 April 2024.

National University of Ireland (NUI)

The National University of Ireland is a federal university comprising four autonomous constituent universities – UCD, UCC, Galway University and Maynooth University. A number of other higher education institutions including RCSI, IPA and NCAD are also members of the federal university. NUI serves the interests of the member institutions, provides services to them and manages the central registers and archives of the University. NUI also undertakes a wide range of activities related to scholarship, the advancement of higher education, and the cultural and intellectual life of Ireland. Details of these may be found on the NUI website.

The Central Office of NUI is based at 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Functions of the NUI Senate

The NUI Senate acts as a central forum for the member institutions and fulfils a small number of statutory functions, notably in relation to NUI matriculation and oversees the activities of NUI and the schemes it administers. Much of the work of the Senate is done through committees, which can include members of Senate, members nominated by the constituent universities and other external members appointed for their specific expertise, as appropriate.

Under the Universities Act, 1997, the NUI Senate has functions and responsibilities in relation to the following:

• determining basic matriculation requirements; reviewing the content and teaching of courses
• appointing external examiners; awarding degrees and other qualifications

Composition of the NUI Senate

The composition of the Senate is set out in the Universities Act 1997. It has a membership of 38, headed by the Chancellor and with the Presidents of the constituent universities and the NUI Registrar as ex officio members. The Senate includes other members elected by the Governing Authorities of the constituent universities, members elected by the graduates of the University, up to four co-opted members and four members nominated by the government, two men and two women.

The current ordinary member vacancies which have arisen under Section 45(2)(b) of the Universities Act 1997, which states:

“four persons nominated by the government, two of whom shall be women and two men”

Fees payable to board members

Members of the NUI Senate are not remunerated. Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings of the Senate or to transact its business.