Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
382 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if school caretakers were included in the benchmarking process; their position now vis-à-vis same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/04]
View answerSchool caretakers are linked for pay purposes to the general operative grade in local authorities. A parallel benchmarking process has recently been concluded for the general operative grade in local authorities which provides for an increase of €70.09 per week subject to increased flexibility and mobility measures. The current national agreement, Sustaining Progress, provides that 25% of the increase will be paid on ratification of the agreement with the balance to be paid on a phased basis subject to satisfactory implementation of a modernisation agenda, co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, absence of industrial action and maintenance of stable industrial relations. Payment is dependent on verification of satisfactory achievement of these provisions by the performance verification groups established in each sector.
The first phase of the increase has been paid to caretakers employed in vocational schools, community and comprehensive schools and certain primary schools following ratification of the agreement. Payment of the next phase of 50% is dependent on verification by the education sector performance verification group of progress made in relation to the modernisation agenda agreed for the grade. The education sector performance verification group has approved the action plan for the schools concerned and has sought a progress report by 28 October when it will then consider the progress made.
In the case of secondary schools and the majority of primary schools the arrangements are that each school receives a grant from my Department for the provision of caretaking and other ancillary services. It is a matter for each school to determine how best to meet its caretaking requirements. My Department has no direct role in the pay and conditions of service of caretakers employed directly by schools under these arrangements.
