Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:67 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to end the long running dispute with members of the ASTI. [14591/02]
Written Answers. - ASTI Dispute.
I regret the protracted nature of the ASTI dispute and look forward to an early resolution of it. A number of efforts to resolve the dispute have not succeeded, for example, by the Public Service Arbitration Board and the Labour Court. Both bodies essentially recommended that the ASTI claim be dealt with through the Public Service Benchmarking Body. The benchmarking body is due to report next week. I hope its recommendations will form the basis for the resolution of the current dispute.
In an effort to find a solution to ASTI's 30% pay claim the issues were referred to the Public Service Arbitration Board. On the rejection of the findings of the arbitration board by ASTI the parties agreed to refer the matter to the Labour Court. Once again ASTI rejected the outcome. The essence of both recommendations was that ASTI should pursue its claim through the Public Service Benchmarking Body. However, ASTI has steadfastly refused to engage in that process. The non-participation of ASTI in the benchmarking process, while regretful, has not hampered the benchmarking body in carrying out a full examination of the role of the teaching profession. Its report will issue before the end of June.
The current action by ASTI in relation to supervision and substitution is part of its campaign to have its 30% pay claim addressed. An offer of €34.28 per hour was accepted by the INTO but rejected by ASTI and TUI following a ballot of their members. Recent discussions with the INTO and TUI, with the assistance of a facilitator, resulted in a proposal for an improved rate of €37 per hour with effect from 1 September and for discussions to take place during the summer months to resolve the pension issues. It also provides for payment at the rate of €34.28 per hour where that rate had been accepted by any union or is now identified as being acceptable in respect of the school year 2001-2002. ASTI did not take part in these discussions as it was precluded by a decision of its central executive from entering any further negotiations on this matter pending the settlement of its pay claim. The INTO and TUI have accepted this proposal and will receive payment for supervision and substitution carried out in the 2001-02 school year as appropriate. The terms of the proposal remain on offer to ASTI.