Vol. 523 No. 5
77 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when he last met each teacher union; if he discussed industrial relations between the unions and his Department and the Govern ment; if his attention has been drawn to the deep frustration and malaise felt within the teaching profession in regard to a broad range of issues and inadequacies; the way in which he will deal in future with teacher union interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21432/00]
I met all three teacher unions, the ASTI, INTO and TUI in April 2000. I subsequently met the INTO in July 2000 and I have arranged to meet the TUI later this week. At these meetings a range of issues, including general industrial relations issues, were discussed.
However, there is a formal conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers, revised last year, which provides an agreed formal mechanism for progressing all industrial relations matters. The scheme is used extensively and operates very well. There is a monthly meeting of the Teachers' Conciliation Council at which the three teacher unions, school management, my Department and the Department of Finance are represented. The council also operates a system of sub-committees which meet between these meetings. There is, therefore, a continuous processing of industrial relations issues, many of which are resolved to the participants mutual satisfaction. In the event of disagreement, the scheme provides for third party facilitation or arbitration if necessary.
This framework for the processing of industrial relations issues is in keeping with best practice in this area. This is the most effective way to deal with industrial relations issues. I am, of course, available to meet the teacher unions as necessary.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I am not sure he is aware of the extent of the deep frustration and concern within the teaching profession. It is weighed down with bureaucratic details, no recognition for effort or performance, and so on. This frustration and malaise will be demonstrated shortly through industrial action. The Minister said he is available to meet the teacher unions as necessary. Given that the ASTI is balloting its members on industrial action, why has the Minister not called it in to discuss the matter? If the strike takes place and teachers are on the streets five or six times before Christmas disrupting the education cycle of students and with potentially further serious consequences in the spring, what mechanisms are available to the Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Finance, to resolve the matter? Why is it that the ASTI is advertising for teachers? Why has the Department not taken on board the shortage of teachers? The Minister should recognise that there is deep-rooted concern that this service, which should be the jewel in the public service crown, is grossly under funded and that the professionals working at the coalface are seriously under remunerated and under resourced.
The arbitration board recently rejected the ASTI's claim for a 30% increase. It also indicated that it would be desirable that the teacher pay claims should be addressed as part of the benchmarking process at the earliest possible date. We have made it clear that there is scope to address the questions raised by the ASTI, TUI and INTO as part of this process which was initiated at the end of July. Like the rest of society, including children, the teaching profession has been adapting to change and participating in a big way. It is open to the ASTI to participate in the benchmarking process under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. In the meantime we have proceeded to pay the increase of 8.5% in salaries and allowances to all teachers from 1 October. There will be further increases of 5.5% in October 2001 and 4% subsequently. I appeal to teachers to resolve the outstanding issues within the context of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
What are the main criteria under the benchmarking system? This system will never become a reality. This view is shared by teachers. It has been a while since I taught, but the Minister needs to display far greater urgency and energy; otherwise, the international standing and reputation of this country gained through the education system will begin to suffer and seriously diminish and the Minister will be held responsible.
The basis of our development and progress in recent years has been social partnership whereby people agreed to work together. That is the best way to proceed. I appeal to the members of the ASTI to work with everybody else through the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. They should highlight the issues they believe should be taken into account as part of the benchmarking process.
Question No. 78 taken with Question No. 76.
