Education and Training Boards Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Questions (65)

Michael Lowry

Question:

65. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide some information on the categorisation of VEC’s, further to Circular 24/2012; if he will detail the criteria used for this categorisation; if he will detail the way in which this criteria was applied to North Tipperary; if this categorisation impacts negatively on the staffing structure for the new Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40737/12]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

On 19 June last, my Department published Circular 24/2012 which detailed the categorisation of the new Education and Training Boards (ETBs), once established, for the purposes of the pay scales applicable to Chief Executive Officers of these Boards. The categorisation of each ETB, including the Board encompassing County Tipperary, is based on a proposal set out by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC). It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the criteria used by the LRC in formulating its proposal, or on how such criteria may have been applied in the case of County Tipperary ETB. This categorisation relates specifically to determining the salary scale applicable to the Chief Executive Officer of each of the new ETBs. It will not impact on staffing numbers or structures.