Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
73 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the main points of the agreement concluded with the teacher unions on the standardisation of the school year; when the benchmarking payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5247/04]
View answerIn line with the requirements of Sustaining Progress, agreement has been reached between the parties to the teachers conciliation council for the standardisation of the breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms.
The agreement reached covers the arrangements that will apply in all schools from the start of the 2004-2005 school year and covers four school years. The parties will review the operation of the arrangements not later than spring of 2007 for the purpose of agreeing the arrangements that will apply subsequently. The parties have agreed that in the event of any unforeseen difficulty arising in the operation of the arrangements now agreed, the matter can be raised at the teachers conciliation council.
The arrangements are agreed, without prejudice, to closure on specific days within the overall requirement of 167 days at post primary level and 183 days at primary level dictated by religious observance that is required in school under the patronage of different denominations or faiths.
I am confident that the new agreement can deliver for parents the certainty required for school holiday periods. The agreement enables my Department to execute the arrangements for payment of the appropriate increases to teachers. It is expected that the increases will be paid to primary teachers on 26 February 2004 and to post primary teachers on 3 March 2004.
