asked the Minister for Education the steps he is taking to try to resolve the dispute in the College of Music, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - College of Music Dispute.
40.
The dispute which occurred in the Dublin College of Music last November related to the filling of certain assistant lecturer posts which formed part of an approved teaching staff structure for the college. Subsequently tripartite talks between the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee, the Teachers Union of Ireland and my Department were held under the auspices of the conciliation service of the Labour Court. As a result of those talks an agreement was signed by the three parties concerned and countersigned by the conciliation officer of the court on 18th February last.
The operation of that agreement by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee has been disputed by the Teachers Union of Ireland and they have withdrawn teaching services from the college. As talks are currently taking place between the parties under the auspices of the conciliation service, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.