Cecilia Keaveney
Question:176 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the current position in relation to negotiations with Youthreach staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7631/97]
Written Answers - Youthreach Staff Negotations.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:177 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education when discussions promised in December 1996 with the TUI will commence in respect of the issues of concern with the Youthreach co-ordinators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7632/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
Discussions with the Teacher's Union of Ireland on matters relating to staff in the Youthreach centres are ongoing. Arrangements have been finalised with the Teachers' Union of Ireland in relation to a framework within which it is expected that negotiations will be concluded. This framework involves facilitation and arbitration under the terms of the Government/ICTU PCW statement of 15 May 1996 which was offered to the union in November, 1996. Following clarification of certain issues in this regard, the revised terms of reference for the facilitation and arbitration process have been agreed with the union. In effect, my Department has confirmed to the Teachers' Union of Ireland that it is prepared to enter further negotiations with the aid of a facilitator, if necessary, in an attempt to reach agreement on as many issues as possible. My Department is also prepared to refer any outstanding issues for adjudication to the Public Service Arbitration Board operating on an ad hoc basis.
As I have already stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 48, 76 and 168 on 26 February 1997, my Department is fully committed to reaching an amicable solution to the issues involved in this matter and thereby recognises the contribution which the Youthreach instruction staff make to enabling the educationally disadvantaged participants in the programme to enhance their prospects in the labour market.