Vol. 553 No. 6
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to establish dialogue with the representatives of the various teaching unions with a view to harmonising relations between his Department and the teaching profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14627/02]
There is an agreed conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers through which issues affecting the pay and conditions of service are processed. Issues are discussed at the Teachers' Conciliation Council which meets every month. It is comprised of representatives of the three teacher unions, the managerial authorities of primary and post-primary schools and officials from my Department and the Department of Finance. In the event of disagreement there is provision for agreed independent arbitration.
The scheme has worked successfully and facilitates agreement on a range of issues relating to pay and conditions of service for teachers. In addition, as incoming Minister for Education and Science, I am making arrangements to meet all of the education partners, including the three teacher unions, in the near future to discuss matters of mutual concern.
