NUI Galway have suspended a questionnaire, which has drawn wide criticism for its personal questions.

The medical assessment had asked for information from candidates about periods, breast problems and prostate issues.

The Galway City Tribune discovered the pre-employment health questionnaire, which replaced the previous doctor's exam.

In a statement, the university says the form has been used for years to confirm medical fitness to work.

It says it is in line with national best practice and is completely confidential.

"This process takes place after a candidate has been offered a position and forms no part of the job interview," it says.

"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."

"The questionnaire is completed independently and privately by prospective staff members, regardless of gender, and subsequently examined by the occupational health physician."

"Where a staff member responds positively to questions the doctor will contact them directly to elicit further information and arrange a consultation if necessary. No person is deemed unfit for employment on the basis of the information disclosed on the occupational pre-placement health assessment form alone," it adds.

The university also says it "takes on board the concerns which have been raised" and will review its process.

It has confirmed it has suspended the pre-screening questionnaire while under review.

But a professor of Irish Studies at Concordia University in Montreal, Emer O'Toole, is outraged by the questions.