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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Vocational Teachers.

30.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that due to a shortage of teachers employed by the Laois Vocational Educational Committee substantial sums are due to the present teachers in respect of overtime; if, having regard to the special circumstances in this case, he will authorise the committee to pay all outstanding overtime to the teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

General sanction was issued by my Department a considerable time ago which enables vocational education committees to pay vocational teachers for overtime. Only exceptional cases are required to be submitted by the committees to my Department for special consideration. An inquiry seeking specific particulars of such exceptional cases has been issued by my Department to all the committees. When their replies to that inquiry are received, the exceptional cases concerned will be dealt with without delay. My Department have specially requested committees from whom replies are still outstanding to expedite them.

Might I ask the Minister if he would be good enough to make inquiries into the circumstances outlined by the Laois committee who have replied to the query and have satisfied themselves that the teachers are entitled to this overtime, as otherwise the classes could not have been conducted and there would have been a considerable gap in the educational facilities made available by the committee because of the shortage of teachers? Will he have the matter examined tomorrow morning in his office with a view to having these payments made?

As I have explained to the Deputy, when we have got replies from all the committees we will examine the situation and will make a decision. With regard to the ordinary overtime, the committees are already permitted to make the payments.

This overtime has been due for a considerable time.

There are two matters involved.

Will the Minister examine the position with a view to seeing what can be done about having the overtime paid?

As I say, I am awaiting replies from the committees.

The Minister has got the reply from the Laois committee.

Not from all of the committees.

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