Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024

Thursday, 15 February 2024

Questions (406)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

406. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide improved contracts, redress, employment conditions and pensions for adult education teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7119/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Finalising the outstanding pay claim for tutors is of the utmost priority for me and my Department.

A proposal issued to staff representatives last year to establish a new grade of adult educator, with a standardised pay scale aligned with the Youthreach Resource person scale. This grade will apply to tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes, who are currently employed under a variety of terms and conditions. The provision of a pay scale will allow for incremental progression and a career path for Tutors in the further education and training sector.

This proposal follows the introduction of a consistent formula for awarding Contracts of Indefinite Duration across ETBs in 2017 and the provision of access to leave schemes, paid leave and access to the appropriate public sector pension scheme in 2019.

The implementation of the proposal has been the subject of further negotiations with staff representatives. A key issue raised related to incremental progression. My Department and the Department of Education, which has regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, have submitted an updated proposal to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The award of Building Momentum increases due to those tutors on SOLAS-funded programmes who are paid on self-financing rates will also be addressed as part of this process. Officials are engaging on the updated proposal and it is hoped to conclude this matter at the earliest opportunity.

Each of the over 2,800 tutors employed across the ETBs will have the option to avail of the new arrangements and assimilate on to the proposed new adult educator pay scale or remain on his or her existing arrangements.