The newly-elected government in Ireland is examining tight restrictions introduced on hiring in the higher education sector.

According to a report in the Irish Times, the Fianna Gael-led coalition plans to unveil amendments to the regulations in the coming weeks.

The news source notes the restrictions have proven controversial since they were introduced in the last days of the previous administration and have led to protests by academics in the country.

It suggests Department of Education officials are working with the Department of Enterprise to develop new rules that are less prohibitive, something that may interest those seeking education jobs in Ireland.

Ministers are seeking "constructive suggestions" from higher education professionals to solve the problem, as it is feared the current system could restrict research work and some senior academics have called its legality into question.

Ireland's employment rate dipped during the fourth quarter of 2010 by 16,200 on a seasonally-adjusted basis, following a decline the previous three months and the government is looking at ways to boost hiring.

Posted by Alex Donnell