Seán Ryan
Ceist:117 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in his discussions with the TUI and INTO in relation to their respective pay claims. [17115/01]
Written Answers. - Teachers' Pay Claims.
I understand the Deputy is referring to the submissions by the TUI and the INTO to the Public Service Benchmarking Body. The procedures in relation to the benchmarking do not provide for direct discussions between my Department and the trade unions.
The establishment of the Public Service Benchmarking Body was agreed as an integral part of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness arrangements on public service pay. The Benchmarking Body is a totally independent body chaired by a High Court judge. The body has adopted the procedures envisaged in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness commencing with the delivery of written submissions by all the employers and trade unions to the Benchmarking Body. This stage has been completed and the body has now embarked on the research phase. Following completion of the research phase, the Benchmarking Body intends to hold oral hearings in the Autumn. My Department has co-operated fully with the Benchmarking Body and will continue to assist it in carrying out its important and onerous task.