Ruairí Quinn
Question:37 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education when she intends to pay the £75 million outstanding to teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Payment to Teachers.
The Deputy will recall that, on the proposal of the Government of the day, of which he was a member, the Dáil modified a finding by the public service arbitrator on a teachers' pay claim on 6 February 1986. The effect of the modification was to provide for phasing of the payment of the finding in accordance with the terms of the then draft proposals for a public service pay agreement.
While the settlement terms of the dispute acknowledged the teachers' right to pursue their claim until such time as full payment of the arbitrator's award has been achieved, they also recognised the Government's position that payment of retrospection is not possible.
The teachers' unions have requested a meeting with myself and the Minister for Finance to discuss this issue. I will be responding to their request in due course.