Education and Training Boards

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Ceisteanna (307)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

307. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that CTC workers have agreements in place with IACTO-SOLAS on collective issues such as redundancies and annual leave but they have been informed that his Department will not honour these agreements as was the experience in an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will commit to ensuring that negotiated agreements are honoured. [23344/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Community Training Centres (CTCs) are funded through SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards. They are managed and operated by independent local Boards of Management. The staff are employed by these groups and my Department does not have a direct role in staffing and employment issues relating to these bodies.

Guidance has been sought by SOLAS on the payment of enhanced redundancy to employees of CTCs and the matter is being reviewed in the Department. I understand from the Cork Education and Training Board that the decision to close the Community Training Centre referred to by the Deputy was taken by the CTC Board of Management and that statutory redundancy was paid to the former employees.