asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that all home economics teachers who hold the Department's teacher's diploma are entitled to the qualification allowance without having to pursue another course lasting three weeks and a subsequent examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Economics Teachers.
31.
The provisions in relation to the payment of the allowances for qualifications have been worked out following a number of salary agreements with teachers emanating from conciliation machinery and other forms of negotiation. I do not propose to depart from these agreements.
Is it not a fact that the home economics teachers do a fulltime three year course? Surely this is sufficient for recognition?
The Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for negotiation and conciliation. I do not intend to discuss the intricacies of this here.
That is the usual non-answer which is emanating from the Department every day. No discussion, no dialogue, nothing.
The organisations concerned are fully informed on the developments in this matter and it cannot be dismissed in the course of an exchange at Question Time here.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that this House is entitled to some information? Apparently he does not.
That is Fine Gael policy: to hell with conciliation and arbitration. Now we know.
Fine Gael policy is to have conciliation and dialogue.