Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik has resigned her position as associate professor in Trinity College Dublin.
At the time of her election last year in the Dublin Bay South byelection, Ms Bacik was on a career break.
She was entitled to take a break from the role for up to five years. When she became Labour Party leader in March, she was questioned over her plans for the role and she said she would speak to Trinity College before she spoke to the media.
In a statement to The Irish Times on Tuesday, she said: “I can confirm that upon my election as leader of the Labour Party, I gave my notice to Trinity College Dublin.
“I am proud of my long connection with Trinity and grateful for having had the opportunity to avail of a career break previously. I believe that such opportunities should be afforded to those in the private as well as the public sector.
“It’s so important that we facilitate and enable everyone, men but especially women, to run for public office and to engage in democratic political activity without being penalised in the workplace.”
When she was elected leader, she was asked about the academic position and said career breaks should be facilitated.
“Career breaks are really important for giving people exactly that, a safety net. Particularly for women leaving work, for taking time off for work and career breaks should also be available for men. They should also be facilitated in the public and private service.”
The salary for such a post ranges from €83,570 to €116,528.
According to the Seanad Register of Members’ Interests for 2020, Ms Bacik went on a career break in 2020. Before that, she worked as a lecturer on a reduced hours contract.
Ms Bacik became the 14th Labour Party leader in March and was the sole candidate.
