Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Teacher Supervision-Substitution.

Michael Finucane

Question:

177 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding teacher payment for supervision and substitution; and the contingency plans he has to ensure that schools remain open for the coming academic year. [22948/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Discussions on the issue of supervision and substitution in post-primary schools have recently been concluded with the teachers' unions and a final formal offer was put to the unions on 28 September. The offer included the following elements: additional payment will be made to teachers already employed in the school who volunteer to undertake supervision duties during breaktimes and immediately before and after school; additional payment will be made to teachers already employed in the school who volunteer to provide substitution cover for casual absences of colleagues on sick leave or school business; schools will be provided with funding on the basis of a requirement of 37 hours supervision and substitution per teacher; participation in these duties would be voluntary and payment will be on verified delivery of the service. Payment will be at the rate of £27 per hour inclusive of the 5.5% payable from 1 October 2001. Payments will be made twice yearly.

The TUI executive has decided to put the offer to a ballot of their members without a recommendation. The result of that ballot will be known on 26 October.

The ASTI central executive has rejected a recommendation from standing committee that the final offer on supervision and substitution should be put to a ballot of members. The CEC has decided to reject the offer. Instead, the CEC decided to ballot its members on the withdrawal from all voluntary supervision and substitution. The motion also asks for approval that thestatus quo continue in relation to voluntary supervision and substitution in schools until a directive is issued pursuant to the outcome of the ballot.

A ballot will take place at ASTI branch venues on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 and 10 October. The ballots will be counted on Friday, 12 October.

Discussions with the Irish National Teachers Organisation are continuing.

I am hopeful that teachers who are being offered £27 per hour for work which was previously done on a voluntary basis will not opt for a course of action which will lead to disruption in the schools. In the event that teachers opt to withdraw from supervision and substitution, there will be difficulties in schools. However, I will assist school management in every way possible to deal with the situations that arise and to minimise disruption to pupils. My officials are in regular contact with the school management bodies on the most appropriate arrangements to deal with any difficulties which might arise.