Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Willie Penrose

Question:

308 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take steps to ensure that the legal correspondence (copy attached) on behalf of individuals (details supplied) is immediately responded to by his Department; if the original categories of persons included under the terms of CL19/1997 have been recently expanded; if he will take steps to have the honours degree allowance made to the three persons concerned in view of this latter expansion of this category; if he will furnish to each of the persons concerned copies of their duly completed individual applications purporting to be appeals by them to the appeals body concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32385/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The legal correspondence referred to by the Deputy, although dated 12 October 2001, was not received in my Department until 16 November 2001. A reply has now issued to that correspondence.

No changes have been made to the basis for eligibility for the award of the honours primary degree allowance under CL19/97. Agreement was recently reached at the teachers' conciliation council that degrees awarded by appropriate degree awarding authorities and classified as third class honours would qualify for the payment of the honours degree allowance.

A copy of the joint submission of the teachers in question, which was referred to the appeals committee established under the terms of the PCW agreement on the pay and conditions for teachers, was forwarded to their solicitor under cover of a letter dated 15 June 2001. A copy of that submission is being forwarded to each of the teachers.