University professors may soon be subject to a new performance-related pay (PRP) regime.
Pressure for change has intensified in recent weeks as the Department of Finance prepares the ground for the new Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector.
It is expected that the review body, chaired by Tony O'Brien, will propose PRP for professors in its next report.
The Department of Education confirmed yesterday it has asked university presidents for their views on the introduction of PRP across senior levels in the colleges.
It is understood that universities back PRP for senior college figures including presidents, registrars and secretaries. The introduction of PRP would see the job of university professor "measured" and compared to an equivalent role in the private sector. But some academics see the current moves as further evidence of what they call a "pro-business" agenda in the third- level sector.
The estimated 385 university professors in the State - who earn up to €126,000 per year - have always enjoyed a strong level of academic freedom. One source said: "This new regime will change things radically. It will force the professors to spell out their daily workload."
Any plan for PRP for professors is likely to be opposed by the Irish Federation of University Teachers, but sources say professors may have little choice but to accept it.
In recent weeks, the Department of Finance agreed to new interim pay increases to university professors totalling 7.5 per cent - on condition that they enter into talks about their full inclusion in the O'Brien review.
It is understood the Department of Finance has requested the O'Brien review body to review the remuneration of professors in recent weeks.
While PRP could lessen the academic freedom enjoyed by professors, it could also provide pay bonuses of up to 20 per cent for those identified as "top performers". Already, universities can break their pay scales to offer competitive salaries to world- class research professors working with Science Foundation Ireland.
The introduction of PRP would, the colleges say, offer universities a measure of rewarding the better performing professors and help bring teaching and research to world-class standards. The expected introduction of PRP for professors comes at a time when the Government is putting pressure on the universities to move into the top rank in the OECD.
The Government committed over €1 billion to the third-level sector in the Budget.
In return, it wants to see evidence of radical reform across the sector.
