Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
397 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the delay in paying a lump sum to special needs assistants which was due in January 2004 under the national agreement; when the amount will be paid; the other payments which are due to that group in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11674/04]
View answerThe payment of the second phase of the increases recommended by the public service benchmarking body and the 3% increase are dependent, in the case of each organisation and grade, on verification of co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation, maintenance of stable industrial relations and absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the Sustaining Progress agreement.
A modernisation agenda for the grade of special needs assistants was agreed earlier this year under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. An assessment of progress on the modernisation agenda is now being made by the Secretary General of my Department in consultation with the managerial authorities of first and second level schools and, subject to a favourable assessment, payment of the increases due with effect from 1 January 2004 will be executed.
The Deputy will be advised of the payment date as soon as the arrangements are finalised. A further increase of 2% is due with effect from 1 July 2004.
