Teachers' Remuneration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (131, 139)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

131. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will engage in discourse with ISM school in Tripoli, Libya, on the issue of payment of moneys owed by ISM to 17 Irish teachers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to banking restrictions in Libya, ISM can only pay outstanding moneys into a Government bank account; if he will organise and facilitate a payment schedule on behalf of the 17 teachers since ISM cannot at this point issue individual payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25633/13]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

139. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Libyan Government on behalf of 18 Irish teachers who are owed salaries totalling up to €200,000 by the Tripoli-based International School of the Martyrs. [25923/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 131 and 139 together.

I understand that the teachers’ dispute with the ISM in Tripoli has been ongoing for some time. The case, however, has only been brought to the attention of my Department recently. The issue is currently being handled by the Department of Education and Science and the State Examinations Commission (SEC), which has been in direct contact with the ISM in Tripoli regarding the unpaid monies. Officials from my Department have been in touch with the SEC regarding the matter and to offer whatever assistance may be considered helpful. The Irish Embassy in Rome, which is accredited to Libya, has also been kept fully informed of the situation and, at my direction, will make representations to both the Libyan government and to the International School of the Martyrs authorities seeking assistance and action to resolve this matter.