FROM May 2007 to August 2008, the University of Limerick paid three of their staff a presidential salary of €228,050 – how did this happen?
In April 2006, former President Prof. Roger Downer, stepped down due to ill health. It was decided that he could no longer perform his duties as President, but he was vital to the University of Limerick Foundation as a primary contact for a number of major philanthropic donors.
As a result, UL agreed to his secondment as President Emeritus.
This was agreed on the basis that he would be paid through the UL payroll, with the UL Foundation reimbursing the University.
In his role as President Emeritus, he received a presidential rate of pay, until his retirement in August 2008.
When he stepped down as president in April 2006, vice president administration John O’Connor, became acting president.
He maintained this role until May 1, 2007 when Prof. Don Barry was appointed on a 10-year contract.
However, when he stepped down as acting president, John O’Connor did not revert to his previous vice president salary… instead he remained on as President Emeritus.
A memorandum was agreed by UL Governing Authority that he would take responsibility for large capital works planned at the University.
Mr O’Connor initially signalled his intention to retire as vice president administration and secretary as early as 2005.
When UL analysed this role they decided it was too much work for one person; two positions were needed to replace him.
He intended to retire again once Prof. Don Barry took up office, but in February 2007 the Governing Authority agreed that his services would be retained beyond May 2007.
This was in light of the fact that he was involved in a number of key strategic initiatives; including the completion of a large number of capital projects as well as the implementation of the new Graduate Entry Entry Medical School.
When he retired in April 2009, John O’Connor received his pension and was retained by the University on a part-time basis at the rate of half of the presidential salary.
The University never sought approval for the arrangements to pay three people a presidential salary from the Higher Education Authority or the Minister for Education.
Their accounting officer confirmed to the office of Auditor and Comptroller General that UL did not consult the Department and did not receive sanction to pay three employees a presidential salary from May 2007 to August 2008.
According to the Auditor and Comptroller General’s office, the Department is now taking the matter up with the University.
‘Emeritus’ is a term used to describe retirees retaining a role on an honorary basis.
