Leave of Absence Following Election to Dáil Éireann Policy

The University recognises that it is in the public interest for members of staff to be able to seek election to Dáil Éireann. At the same time, the University must make sure that its operational and academic needs continue to be met.

This policy provides a formal basis on which permanent staff may obtain leave of absence to serve in elected or appointed representative office. It replaces the former “Regulations for Leave of Absence Following Election to Dáil Éireann” (V1.0, May 2010).

The purpose of this policy is to set out the University’s position on unpaid leave of absence for staff who are elected to Dáil Éireann. It also addresses the position of staff who are elected or appointed to Seanad Éireann.

This policy applies to all staff of the University, both academic and support, including permanent, fixed-term, and specified-purpose contract holders. It covers staff in the University’s research centres and wholly owned campus companies.

Staff on fixed-term or specified-purpose contracts are entitled to the same provisions as permanent staff, subject to the qualification set out in the Policy Statement below regarding the duration of the contract.

Staff elected to Dáil Éireann will, where possible, be granted unpaid leave of absence. Salary and allowances will cease from the date on which the elected member becomes eligible for remuneration as a Teachta Dála (T.D.). Due account will be taken of any leave entitlement already accrued and of unavoidable continuing academic or other commitments during the current academic year.

First Dáil Term

Staff granted leave of absence to serve in the Dáil retain the right to return to the full normal conditions of their appointment if, after first being elected:

(a)  they resign their seat and wish to resume normal working at the University; or

(b)  the Dáil to which they were elected is dissolved.

Subsequent Dáil Term

Leave of absence will not extend beyond one Dáil term. The leave ends on the day before the first sitting of the subsequent Dáil.

If the staff member is re-elected, they must decide whether to continue their political career or return to full-time working at the University. They may not hold both positions beyond that point.

Fixed-term and specified-purpose contracts

Staff on fixed-term or specified-purpose contracts are eligible for leave under this policy on the same basis as permanent staff. However, the entitlements under this policy, including any right of return, operate only for the remaining duration of the contract.

The contract does not extend or renew solely because the staff member is on leave under this policy. Where the contract expires during the period of leave, the employment relationship ends on the contract’s expiry date in the normal way.

In the case of a specified-purpose contract, where the specified purpose is completed during the period of leave, the same principle applies.

Election or Appointment to Seanad Éireann

Election or appointment to Seanad Éireann is treated separately from election to the Dáil. Applications will be considered under the Exclusivity of Service provisions of the staff member’s Terms and Conditions of Employment.

The University will consider such applications positively, provided that:

(a)  the staff member continues to undertake their full workload;

(b)  no replacement arrangements are required; and

(c)  there is no additional cost to the University.

Where such leave is approved, the staff member will continue to receive their normal salary.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:

1.  Leave of Absence Policy

3.  Leave for Jury Service Policy

Any queries regarding this policy should be directed to DCU People.

This policy will be reviewed as and when changes are required.