Vol. 568 No. 1
171 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the implications of the new directive from the ASTI that members should only provide substitution for members absent on approved school business, especially in regard to such activities as sporting events and transition year programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15753/03]
The provisions of the supervision and substitution scheme were negotiated and agreed at the teachers' conciliation council. The parties to the council comprise were the three teacher unions, the managerial authorities of schools and the Ministers for Education and Science and Finance. The ASTI directive directs members to operate the supervision and substitution scheme strictly within the parameters of the scheme and not to engage in unpaid supervision or substitution. Any issues relating to the interpretation of the scheme are a matter in the first instance for the council. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to make a comment in advance of this matter being considered by the council.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 103.
