Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Public Service Pay.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

147 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made by him in regard to benchmarking for teachers under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8519/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The establishment of the public service benchmarking body was agreed as an integral part of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness arrangements on public service pay. It has been agreed between the public services committee of the ICTU and the Government as employer that certain selected grades only shall be subject to detailed examination by the benchmarking body. The teaching grades to be examined include principal, deputy principal, assistant principal, special duties teacher and teachers in the primary and post-primary sectors.

The public service benchmarking body has been asked to produce its report and recommendations by 30 June 2002. This timescale has been agreed with the relevant trade unions and the Government as employer. A single report is to be produced covering all grades, groups and categories within the benchmarking body's terms of reference.

Benchmarking is about comparing public service pay and jobs with pay and jobs across the economy with a view to ensuring that public service rates of pay compare favourably with comparable employment in the private sector. This was the objective of the Government and the public service unions in framing the benchmarking process and establishing the public service benchmarking body. Benchmarking is not about performance related pay.

Arising from discussions with the benchmarking body, it has been agreed that the process will include written submissions by unions and employers, with both sides exchanging their submissions, thereby giving an opportunity for comment by both sides on the position of the other. The body will arrange its own research pro gramme and it is envisaged that there will be feedback from this to the parties. There will then be oral hearings attended by both sides. The submissions, research and oral hearings will form the benchmarking body's deliberations and it will recommend rates of pay for all of the groups. The public service benchmarking body has sought written submissions from management and trade unions by 20 March 2001 and is already in the process of arranging the appropriate research. It intends to hold oral hearings in the autumn.

Although employers and unions will have to negotiate the how and when of implementation, they will not be renegotiating the recommendations themselves. An agreement reached between the Government and the trade unions in December 2000 provides for payment of 25% of any increase with effect from 1 December 2001.