Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 3

Written Answers - School Staffing.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

76 Deputy M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in his discussions with teachers representatives concerning the conditions of service of primary teachers having regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government, to implement changes to retention and support policies which will assist schools in areas of significant disadvantage to recruit and retain teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5825/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Issues relating to the conditions of service of teachers are dealt with by the Conciliation Council for Teachers. It is not open to me to interfere in the operation of the council. Any changes agreed at the conciliation council are notified to the parties by agreed reports and the details are generally outlined in circulars issued by my Department. The commitment referred to by the Deputy is to be implemented during the five year period of the programme for Government.