Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
75. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the details of any work practices negotiated under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement with special educational needs organisers through their union; the date on which such changes were implemented; the savings that resulted from any changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43631/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy the Croke Park Agreement is a framework for public service reform centrally agreed between the Government and the Public Service Unions. The NCSE has published its agreed Action Plan under the Croke Park Agreement. A key challenge for the NCSE has been to ensure the maintenance of its national service for all schools and students with special educational needs, within a reduced staff and budget provision. In this regard, changes in work practices are under ongoing development within NCSE in discussion with staff through normal industrial relations channels and managerial processes.
Under the Croke Park Agreement and the Employment Control Framework, authorised NCSE staffing numbers have been reduced from 107 in 2011 to 103 by end 2012. It is estimated that this will result in annual pay savings of the order of €250,000. In addition, efficiency savings of the order of €25,000 per annum are being delivered through shared services and alterations in telecommunication arrangements.
