Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding ongoing discussions with teachers unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28431/01]
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.
A final formal offer on payment for supervision and substitution was put to the three teacher unions last month. The Irish National Teachers Organisation recommended acceptance and its members are being balloted the result of which is expected tomorrow, 16 November 2001. The Teachers' Union of Ireland put the offer to ballot and it was rejected by a small majority, while the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland Executive Committee voted not to put the offer to a ballot.
My Department officials met with representatives of the three teacher unions on Friday, 2 November 2001. At the meeting the ASTI, supported by the TUI and the INTO, submitted a number of points for consideration and clarification. These relate to the core issues of pay, hours and pensionability and to operational arrangements. The three teacher unions have indicated that they wish to have further discussions with my Department. These discussions will be facilitated and my officials will continue to meet with the teacher unions as necessary to clarify any aspects of the offer. It has been made clear that there will be no improvement to the core terms of the offer.