Michael Creed
Question:351 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if the benchmarking process is the vehicle to be used when determining the pay levels for all teaching or lecturing staff at third level colleges. [9025/01]
Written Answers. - Public Service Benchmarking.
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. The benchmarking body will examine public sector pay and jobs by comparison with the private sector and will make recommendations thereon.
It has been agreed between the public services committee of ICTU and the Government employers that certain selected grades only shall be subject to detailed examination by the benchmarking body. The teaching and lecturing grades in third level colleges to be examined are those of assistant lecturer, lecturer and senior lecturer, II and III in the institutes of technology and assistant lecturer, college lecturer, statutory-senior lecturer, and associate professor in the Higher Education Authority sector. The grade of professor in the university sector does not come within the ambit of the benchmarking body. The level of salary of a university professor brings it within the ambit of the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector.
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 employers. A single report is to be produced covering all grades, groups and categories within the benchmarking body's terms of reference.