DNA polymerase specifically involved in DNA repair. Plays an important role in translesion synthesis, where the normal high fidelity DNA polymerases cannot proceed and DNA synthesis stalls. Plays an important role in the repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers. Depending on the context, it inserts the correct base, but causes frequent base transitions and transversions. Efficiently incorporates nucleotides opposite to other UV or oxidative DNA damages like O(6)-methylguanine, 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine of 2'-deoxyguanosine (FaPydG), or p-benzoquinone DNA adducts. a 2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphate + DNA(n) = diphosphate + DNA(n+1) Interacts with POL30. This interaction is essential for the polymerase eta function. By UV radiation and heat shock. The mRNA is stabilized during stationary phase. Present with 1860 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the DNA polymerase type-Y family.