University suspends use of ‘invasive’ health questionnaire
The questionnaire also posed queries such as: “Do you suffer any breast problems?”; “Have you ever been treated for gynaecological problems?”; and “Have you ever suffered prostate problems?” — prompting criticism that it was invasive and personal.
A spokesman for Siptu’s academic section said the response locally to the use of the questionnaire had been one of “shock, disgust, and anger”, adding: “A question that a number of people have asked this morning is: ‘What century are they living in?’ It is not funny at all.”
Among those who took issue with the NUIG questionnaire was Galway East TD Colm Keaveney, who said it was “completely inappropriate that any employer would ask such deeply personal and invasive questions”.
The Fianna Fáil TD said: “It’s even more worrying when these allegations involve one of the most well respected and successful academic institutions in the country,” adding that the university’s reputation was now “on the line”.
The story was first reported in local media and attracted attention on social media. Joan Donegan, deputy general secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) said the questions posed “could be seen as intrusive”, adding: “I am certainly not aware of it being common practice.”
For its part, the Siptu Academic Stewards Committee is seeking a meeting with the university’s president and university management to discuss the shape of a review into other issues raised regarding the university in light of case involving botanist Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, who won €70,000 in damages after she took an action against NUIG over its handling of recruitment and staff promotion.
Siptu said it had not been consulted regarding the composition of a new taskforce appointed to look into those issues as part of a wider review.
Regarding the questionnaire, NUIG first released a statement in which it said other organisations used similar processes and claimed it was “in line with best practice nationally”, while admitting that it would review the process.
Within two hours, NUIG had issued a second statement, this time adding: “The university has confirmed that they have suspended the pre-screening questionnaire while under review.”
According to the NUIG statement: “An indepth questionnaire replaces the need for a face-to-face medical consultation for staff. This process takes place after a candidate has been offered a position and forms no part of the job interview.”
It said this process of health screening was implemented in 2008 following a decision by its governing authority and that the questionnaire was provided to the university by its occupational health service providers and “is in line with best practice nationally”.
“Many organisations in Ireland and the UK use a similar process to determine the health of future employees,” it said.
The statement added that the process was independent and that privacy would be respected, adding: “No person is deemed unfit for employment on the basis of the information disclosed on the occupational pre-placement health assessment form alone.”
Twitter storm over ‘cycle’ question
Irish Education:
— John Collins (@HangBlaa) February 27, 2015
1st Level: Junior Cert Cycle
2nd Level: Leaving Cert Cycle
3rd Level: Menstrual Cycle#NUIG
I'm hearing that it's rag week every week at NUIG
— Hazel Katherine Larkin (@HazelKLarkin) February 27, 2015
I once was a dummy interviewee at training for interviewers of public service jobs. They never asked anything as stupid as that #NUIG story.
— Simon McGarr @Tupp_ed@mastodon.ie (@Tupp_Ed) February 26, 2015
"NUIG, feck off out of my bra" the best quote I've heard on radio maybe ever @NewstalkFM shame on you @nuigalway
— Susan Boyle (@miss_susanboyle) February 27, 2015
You know this NUIG questionnaire debacle? Somebody just asked me "What's the job?". LIKE IT MATTERS! #answerstoNUIG pic.twitter.com/yr5aYm0A5C
— Donna (@DonnaIRL) February 27, 2015
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