Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
64. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a union's (details supplied) rejection of the proposed agreement on new entrant pay for teachers; his further views on the exclusion of 2011 to 2014 entrants who, under the proposed agreement, would still suffer a significant pay loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49227/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. As a result, the starting salary of a teacher is now €36,318 and from 1 October 2020 onwards will be €37,692.
Section 11 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that “the Minister [for Public Expenditure and Reform] shall, within three months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.”
The report laid before the Oireachtas on foot of this provision by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform assesses the cost of a further change which would provide a two scale point adjustment to new entrants recruited since 2011. The total cost of such an adjustment across the public sector is of the order of €200 million, of which Education accounts for €83 million. The report also acknowledges that, during the financial crisis, there were policy changes which affected remuneration in different occupations across the public sector (including education). Addressing any issues arising from changes which are not specifically detailed in the report would give rise to additional costs over and above the foregoing figures.
The matter of new entrant pay is a cross sectoral issue, not just an issue for the education sector alone. The Government supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
On 24 September 2018, an agreement was reached between the Government and the public services committee of ICTU in respect of new entrant pay.
This agreement will benefit 16,000 teachers and nearly 5,000 SNAs within the education sector and thus comprehends 2011 to 2014 new entrants. The deal provides for a series of incremental jumps for new entrants and enhances their pay progression.
These restorations for new entrants have been achieved through continued engagement and collective bargaining between the Government and the public service unions and shows the benefits that such engagement can bring.
I am of course disappointed that the members of the INTO have not balloted in favour of the 24 September agreement. It is important that the INTO be given the time and space to reflect.
The Public Service Stability Agreement provides a range of protections and benefits to public servants who are covered by the agreement. Continued co-operation with the agreement maintains these benefits.
