The President of UCC has defended the selection process used to create a shortlist of candidates for ten professorial roles in its business school.
The High Court has been listening to Dr. Michael Murphy’s sworn statement as part of a legal action taken by a lecturer who wasn’t called for interview.
Dr. Joan Buckley helped set up the Cork University Business School and is the head of its Management and Marketing department.
At the end of last year, her application to be considered for one of ten advertised professorial roles was unsuccessful.
The first wave of interviews is due to take place next week but she’s seeking a High Court order to stop them from going ahead.
She claims the selection process was “grossly unfair and tainted” – an accusation strongly denied by UCC President Dr. Michael Murphy.
In a sworn affidavit, he said it was carried out in full conformity with university regulations and in a transparent manner.
He acknowledged her “large contribution” to the school but said she wasn’t entitled to any preferential treatment.
Fourteen candidates are due to be interviewed over three days beginning on Monday so a decision on her application could be made today.
