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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress achieved to date in regard to the amicable resolution of the dispute between his Department and the ASTI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7211/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has examined and provided for the prospect of ongoing dialogue with teachers and educationalists generally, with a view to averting possible industrial action in the future and thereby facilitating parents, students and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7212/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to enter into negotiations jointly or separately, with the teaching unions, with a view to achieving industrial peace, continuity of the educational process and ongoing investment in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7213/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he has made provision to resolve finally and to the satisfaction of all concerned, the dispute with ASTI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7214/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 241, inclusive, together.

The Labour Court, acting on an ad hoc basis, held a formal hearing on the issues in the ASTI dispute on 9 February at which it received both written and oral submissions from the ASTI and Departments of Education and Science and Finance. The court's examination of the issues in the dispute is continuing and they have indicated to the ASTI that their finding will be available by 10 March. All parties should await the outcome of the Labour Court's examination and give full consideration to its recommendations when they are received.

There is an agreed conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers through which issues affecting the pay and conditions of service of teachers are processed. Issues are discussed at a Teachers'

Conciliation Council which meets every month. It is comprised of representatives of teacher unions, school management authorities and representatives of both the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Finance. In the event of disagreement there is provision for agreed independent arbitration. The conciliation and arbitration scheme has worked successfully and has facilitated agreement on a range of issues relating to pay and conditions of service for teachers.
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