Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
171. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps his Department has taken to limit the impact of escalated industrial action on students, particularly in the event of strike action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29736/16]
View answerI understand that ASTI are currently conducting a ballot on industrial action including withdrawal from supervision and substitution duties.
The outcome of the ASTI ballot cannot be presumed. However, my Department and the school management bodies have been discussing potential contingency arrangements aimed at keeping schools open in the event of an industrial action that involves the withdrawal of ASTI members from supervision and substitution duties. In that event, ASTI’s co-operation with any contingency arrangements would be required if they were to operate effectively. The Department has formally communicated its co-operation requirements in that event to ASTI and asked that these be considered. It is expected that ASTI will consider the matter if it arises following the conclusion of their ballots.
My Department will make every effort to avoid disruption in schools. In that regard, my Department offered in July that if ASTI suspended their directive on withdrawal from the Croke Park hours while talks between the union and the Department were taking place, the Department would suspend the implementation of measures associated with ASTI’s repudiation of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. This would provide time and space for meaningful engagement on ASTI’s issues and create a more constructive context within which talks could proceed. It would also avoid disruption in schools and would mean that thousands of ASTI teachers would receive the payment for supervision and substitution, as well as other benefits and protections under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
This offer has been reiterated to ASTI on a number of occasions since July. ASTI have unfortunately declined to take up the offer thus far, but it remains open to them.
