Vol. 547 No. 2
53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he has achieved success in resolving the disputes with the teaching profession; if he has addressed the issues raised by the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland and other teaching organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2845/02]
56 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an update on industrial unrest in schools regarding pay, supervision and substitution; the direct impact this is having; the threat posed to State examinations; and the steps he proposes to take to reduce these matters. [2857/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 56 together.
It is my view and that of the Government that the benchmarking process provides the opportunity for the ASTI to have its pay claim addressed in a comprehensive manner. This view was supported by the recommendations of the Public Service Arbitration Board and the Labour Court. The TUI and INTO, which represent over 30,000 teachers, and all other public service unions are participating in the benchmarking process.
The Public Service Benchmarking Body has been asked to produce its report by the 30 June 2002. Agreement has been reached between the Government and the trade unions that 25% of any increase recommended by the benchmarking body will be paid with effect from 1 December 2001. This will be paid immediately on receipt of the report.
The ASTI continues to pursue its pay claim outside of the benchmarking process. It has recently instructed its members to withdraw from co-operation with the implementation of the new curricula, syllabi and programmes and to withdraw from in-service for such new curricula, syllabi and programmes until further notice. While this course of action may present some difficulties with the implementation of the revised leaving certificate syllabi in both biology and home economics and the revised junior certificate syllabi in both religious education and SPHE, I am hopeful that their introduction can proceed as planned. There is no immediate threat to State examinations.
