School Services Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2013

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Questions (146)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

146. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it was reasonable to enforce a 5% cut under the Financial Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 on persons who are not public servants as has happened in the case of low paid school caretakers and secretaries even though neither are in many cases subject to a salary scale, have no pension rights and no sick leave entitlements; his views on the implications posed by a case currently before the Employment Appeals Tribunal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41246/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009 was introduced in order to achieve a significant reduction in the public service pay bill. All persons employed by a recognised school or VEC/ETB are "public servants" within the meaning of the Act, regardless of the source of the money used to fund their salary, the lack of ability of any Minister or Department to determine on their appointment or set their pay rates and irrespective of whether they are eligible for, or members of, a public service pension scheme. The fact that such staff come within the definition of "public servant" solely for the purposes of the Act does not alter their employment status in any other respect. When the Tribunal issues a decision in the case referred to by the Deputy, I will consider the implications of that decision.