Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Qualifications Allowance.

John Perry

Ceist:

1018 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene on a person's behalf (details supplied) in County Sligo and ensure that her honours master's allowance is immediately paid; the reasons for the delay as all documentation has been submitted since 1998 and taking into consideration the fact that she has made numerous contact with the Department as payment is due since February 1998; if he will make a favourable decision in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19814/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department, having considered the qualification held by the person referred to by the Deputy, decided that she did not qualify for the payment of an honours master's degree allowance.

In accordance with the terms of the PCW agreement on the pay and conditions of teachers, a committee under an independent chairperson has been established to consider appeals against decisions of my Department in relation to qualification allowances.

While the qualification in question was considered by the committee at its last meeting, a final decision on the matter was not reached. The matter will be considered further at the next meeting of the committee which is scheduled to take place later this month and the person referred to by the Deputy will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.