Croke Park Agreement Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Questions (264)

Ciara Conway

Question:

264. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Cumann na mBunscol games and activities (details supplied) may be included as part of any agreement on additional time in schools, acknowledging the voluntary effort of so many teachers, the importance of Cumann na mBunscol games and activities in enriching the lives of pupils and therefore enshrining the importance of our national games in the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15131/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As part of the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement 2010 - 2014, teachers undertook to provide additional time for a range of activities to take place without the need to reduce class contact/tuition time. The purposes for which the additional time can be used in primary schools are detailed in circular letter 8/2011, which is available on my Department's website.

The recent proposals put forward by the Labour Relations Commission on an extension to the Croke Park Agreement include a proposal that teachers will provide additional time for the purpose of supervision and substitution work. These proposals are currently being considered by the membership of the public service trade unions and I do not believe it would be helpful to this ongoing decision-making process for me to comment or elaborate upon proposals which were carefully constructed by the LRC.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 237.