Niamh Smyth
Ceist:320. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason persons (details supplied) cannot obtain school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41386/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport
Ceisteanna (320)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann has advised that the first family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest school. Originally, the family were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary seats on an existing school transport service. However, seats have become available on an alternative school transport service due to the 50% capacity social distancing being implemented.
Bus Éireann has advised that payment for transport for this family was received and Bus Éireann has made contact with the family directly. It is understood that the family have accepted the seats on the alternative service. Tickets will be issued in due course.
Bus Éireann has advised that the second pupil referred to by Deputy is not eligible for transport as he is not attending his nearest school.
Originally, this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat on an existing school transport service. However, seats have become available on an alternative school transport service due to the 50% capacity social distancing being implemented.
Bus Éireann has advised that they have been in contact with the family in this regard.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (321)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:321. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the reason the time frame for the building of new schools with identified sites (details supplied) is taking much longer than the projected finish date; and the provisions that are being made for the students hoping to start in these schools in the new term. [41094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The permanent projects for the schools referred to by the Deputy are being delivered under my Department's Design & Build Programme. The building projects for both schools are at an advanced stage of the tender process to appoint a building Contractor. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
The tender process which is currently underway for 8 major school building projects, including the new schools for Edmund Rice and Pelletstown, will establish a framework of Design & Build Contractors to which other school building projects will be tendered over the next two years. It commenced in December 2019 and will be concluded in Quarter 1 of 2021 with the award of Contracts for the eight schools. Both schools will remain in their current location and my Department officials are in communication with both schools regarding their interim accommodation requirements for 2021/2022.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (322)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:322. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if a formal dispute resolution process has been started for a school (details supplied); if a professional independent conciliator has been appointed; if so, when the process will start; the conditions attached for the stakeholders taking part in the resolution process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue preventing the occupation of the school referred to by the Deputy has been referred to Conciliation – the standard dispute resolution mechanism under the Public Works Contract.
The Conciliator has been appointed and the first meeting with both parties took place on Friday 4th December.
It is hoped that the conciliation process, which has now commenced and which allows for dialogue between the parties and their design consultants, can provide a mechanism for resolution of the issues currently impacting on the handover and occupation of the building.
The conditions pertaining to Conciliation are as set out in clause 13.2 of the Public Works Contract. Clause 13.2.12 of the Contract provides that the Conciliation shall be confidential and the Parties shall respect it’s confidentiality. Therefore, during the Conciliation process, my Department will not be making public statements regarding the matters under conciliation or regarding the process itself.
Telecommunications Services
Ceisteanna (323)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:323. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education the position in relation to the provision of broadband for a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; if efforts by her Department have secured broadband provision for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41115/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the best available service of 20mbs DSL broadband, and was recently awarded to a provider of high speed broadband, however the installation has been delayed due to a local issue accessing the high speed broadband infrastructure. The service provider continues to explore all options to roll out the infrastructure to the school in the context of local planning requirements. The school will be kept apprised of developments.
The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
Under the current primary schools programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements.
The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €13m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. Broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.
The Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and must engage with the selected providers on the DES Framework of Providers of Broadband Services through a tender process to award services. Having awarded a school service to the highest placed tenderer, the Department is then required to work with that provider to install the service. This is the basis on which all state-funding is utilised to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all schools and providers, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (324)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:324. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will revise the payroll increment scale for primary and secondary school teachers who have years of teaching experience in the Middle-East; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to primary and post-primary school teachers, including service given in the Middle-East, are set out in the Department of Education and Skills Circulars 10/2001, 29/2007 and 29/2010. The terms and conditions set out in these circulars were agreed under the auspices of the Teachers' Conciliation Council (TCC).
The Incremental Credit Scheme for teachers is currently the subject of a review at the Teachers' Conciliation Council (TCC). Discussions are taking place under the auspices of the TCC, to which the Department, management representatives and unions are all party. As the proceedings of the TCC are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment while it remains under consideration.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (325)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:325. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if a commitment will be given that persons marking the leaving certificate papers will not have sight or knowledge of the estimated grades for the pupils in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41214/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (326)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:326. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the reason the leaving certificate results will not be available until February 2021; the reason ordinary correction staff are not being used such as the same teachers or persons who correct the exams each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (327)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:327. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 509 of 17 November 2020, if she had discretion to intervene in a manner such that no student would be put at a disadvantage given that the school year has started and given that there is precedent in circumstances in which a school bus service was provided by a private provider in the north Cork area due to exceptional circumstances. [41219/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.
Children who apply for transport and who are not eligible under the terms of the scheme are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann determines the allocation of the tickets and refunds payments made on behalf of those concessionary applicants for whom no seats remain.
Bus Éireann has advised that pupils travelling from Cobh to Carrigtwohill are not attending their nearest school and therefore are not eligible to transport under the terms of the School Transport Scheme.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (328)
Pa Daly
Ceist:328. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the number of active lawsuits her Department is currently facing with regard to the 2020 leaving certificate exams and the arrangements for same. [41229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is a total of 45 active cases at present. A lead case has been identified and the substantive hearing in this case is expected to commence today, 8 December. In addition, High Court decisions were issued in 2 further cases and these are under appeal to the Court of Appeal. The appeal hearing is due to commence on 12 January 2021.
School Management
Ceisteanna (329)
John McGuinness
Ceist:329. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education the status of an application by a school (details supplied) to provide a co-educational facility from junior infants upwards; and if she will outline the process and time frame involved. [41246/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for change of status, from the school in question, officials are currently in communication with the school authority regarding same. Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with the decision.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (330)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:330. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the primary schools numbers in the Carpenterstown, Dublin 15; if there are enough school places to accommodate the growth in estates over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, utilising data from a range of sources including information on planned and current residential development, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise.
Carpenterstown is situated in the Carpenterstown_D15 school planning area. There are three primary schools in the Carpenterstown school planning area and there were 2,385 pupils enrolled in the 2019/20 school year.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each local authority to obtain the up-to-date data on significant new residential development in each area. My Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within the particular area and its ability to meet increased demand.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review and work on an updated exercise to assess needs for the coming years, including those which may arise in the Carpenterstown_D15 school planning area, is at an advanced stage.
In addition to ongoing demographic analyses, my Department continues to liaise with Fingal County Council in respect of potential longer-term requirements for educational provision in all areas of the county. My Department engages further on such matters with the Council through the review of the County Development Plan, preparation of Local Area Plans and other relevant statutory planning processes.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (331)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:331. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) cannot obtain school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41387/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest school. Originally, the family were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary seats on an existing school transport service. However, seats have become available on an alternative school transport service due to the 50% capacity social distancing being implemented.
Bus Éireann has advised that payment for transport for this family was received and Bus Éireann has made contact with the family directly. It is understood that the family has accepted the seats on the alternative service. Tickets will be issued in due course.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (332)
Niall Collins
Ceist:332. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41389/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The safety of students, staff and the whole school community has been of paramount importance in the approach to the safe operation of schools during Covid-19, and i am acutely aware that this has been a very challenging time for many families. My Department has engaged extensively with the HSE public health and the approach to the return to school has been led by the education specific guidance produced by HSE.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre and HSE has published guidance in relation to the return to school for at risk groups. The advice confirms that for the vast majority of children, even those with underlying conditions and complex medical needs, can return to school and that long term cocooning of children is difficult to justify cocooning in most circumstances. However it is recognised that some children cannot return to school because they are medically certified as being at very high risk to COVID-19 and with complex medical needs and my Department has published guidance to support schools in making adapted education provision for these instances. Where a parent believes that their child is very high risk, they should engage with their childs school and medical team.
The HPSC advices also outlines that children with immediate family members, including parents, in both the ‘high risk’ and ‘very high risk’ categories can return to school and that this is important for the child’s overall well-being. This is consistent with public health advice internationally in relation to at-risk family members.
My Department is aware that some parents and children have had concerns about returning to school and the Department has developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the wellbeing of school communities at this time. The resources and supports provided by services such as the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) are available to support families who are experiencing particularly challenging times. Schools may also consult with NEPS in relation to the academic, social and emotional needs of their students.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (333)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:333. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of permanent English teachers as an additional language posts in primary schools within County Meath [41427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Each primary school receives a Special Education Teaching allocation. The Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years.
The Department also provides additional allocations for schools with high concentration of pupils that require language support. Prior to the 2012/2013 school year, these posts were allocated on a temporary basis by way of applications by individual schools. The reforms introduced in the 12/13 school year provided for permanent EAL posts to be allocated to schools who had previously held temporary posts. 12 schools in Co. Meath have a permanent EAL position.
Further temporary Language Support is also provided, as necessary, to schools that have high concentrations of pupils that require language (EAL) support. At primary level, these allocations are made on the basis of appeals by schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
Summer Works Scheme
Ceisteanna (334)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:334. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when applications will be accepted for projects in schools under the 2021 summer works scheme [41428/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware I announced on Monday the 7th of December the provision of a funding investment of just over €31 million to facilitate the delivery of 275 projects under the 2021 Summer Works Scheme. A decsion has not yet been made in regards to Summer Works 2021 and schools will be notified via the Esinet Portal when this date is available.
Telecommunications Services
Ceisteanna (335)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:335. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Education the supports in place to assist a school (details supplied) in improving its broadband service in order to improve its ability to integrate digital technology into its teaching and learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the best available service of 20mbs DSL broadband, and was recently awarded to a provider of high speed broadband, however the installation has been delayed due to a local issue accessing the high speed broadband infrastructure. The service provider continues to explore all options to roll out the infrastructure to the school in the context of local planning requirements. The school will be kept apprised of developments.
The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
Under the current primary schools programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements.
The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €13m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. Broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.
The Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and must engage with the selected providers on the DES Framework of Providers of Broadband Services through a tender process to award services. Having awarded a school service to the highest placed tenderer, the Department is then required to work with that provider to install the service. This is the basis on which all state-funding is utilised to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all schools and providers, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Telecommunications Services
Ceisteanna (336)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:336. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) has been waiting a long time to be switched to a juniper box; if the box will be provided as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41472/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €13m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. Broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.
In relation to the provision of a high speed school router for the school referred to by the Deputy, as noted, the most recent router contract expired earlier this year. My Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and to that end officials in my Department have been working with the Office of Government Procurement to put in place a new contract for the supply of, and associated services for, school routers. The request for tender was recently advertised publicly and a new contract is due to be issued in the very near future. Once this contract is in place, my Department will immediately draw down and begin upgrading school routers. The Schools Broadband Service Desk will be in contact with this school as soon as possible thereafter to arrange the upgrade.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (337)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:337. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the efforts her Department and the NCSE are making to address the lack of ASD units in primary schools in south County Tipperary; her plans to develop new ASD units in primary schools in south County Tipperary; and the details of same. [41506/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of autistic students in mainstream schools to the greatest extent possible.
Autism is a spectrum condition, so some autistic students require relatively little support in school and are largely independent in their learning, while others require significant levels of support.
There is therefore not one preferred educational approach for autistic students, rather there is a range of provision, sometimes described as a continuum, which takes into account the assessed educational needs of individual students.
All students with special educational needs are served by this continuum of provision ranging from full-time enrolment in classes in mainstream schools with or without additional supports, to a special class in a mainstream school to full-time enrolment in special schools.
This continuum is supported by significant investment by Government, €2bn or 20% of the total education spend. This funds the provision of additional teachers, special needs assistants and other supports required to enable children with special needs to access education. This investment will support the provision of over 1,200 additional special class places.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for planning and coordinating local education provision and school placements for children with special needs for the whole country.
NCSE has advised that there are currently 11 Primary School ASD classes in South Tipperary.
Taking a range of demographic factors into consideration, it is anticipated that additional places may be required in Tippeary to cater for likely future demand in the county. The NCSE, through its network of local SENOs, will continue to engage with the local schools to establish additional classes as required.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE to open a special class. The active collaboration of school communities is vital to the effective inclusion of students with special educational needs.
A list of all special classes, including classes opened for September 2020, is available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.
Parents are advised to maintain contact with their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for information made known by schools on vacancies in special classes already established and for the most up-to-date position on special classes in development.
SENO contact details are also available on the NCSE website at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Ceisteanna (338)
Martin Browne
Ceist:338. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education when the advertised SNA vacancy in a school (details supplied) will be filled. [41522/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
When a school has been allocated an SNA, the Board of Management, as the employer, is responsible for filling the vacancy. Details of the recruitment process which applies to SNAs is detailed in Department Circular 0051/2019:
Recruitment and Appointment Procedures for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), which is available on the Department’s website at
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Employing-Special-Needs-Assistants-SNAs-/Special-Needs-Assistant-Recruitment-and-Qualifications.html.
Circular 0051/2019 sets out the role of the Board of Management in the appointment of SNA’s and the procedures which states that the Board of Management is responsible for the appointment of SNAs in schools. Any such appointment is subject to the prior approval of the school’s Patron/ETB.
The Circular further states that an SNA shall only be appointed to a post which is to be filled within the allocation of posts approved by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE
School Staff
Ceisteanna (339)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:339. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the status of steps she is taking to address the situation of pay inequality for teachers; her proposed pathway with timescales for full pay restoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41549/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. The starting salary for a new entrant teacher in 2012 was €30,702. As a result of the programme of pay restoration, the starting salary of a teacher is now €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 approximately €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).
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.
The total year one cost of equalising the pay of new entrant teachers to the pre-2011 arrangements is estimated to be in the region of €59 million per annum in year one (€45 million for full resolution of pay scales and €14 million for re-instatement of the H.Dip allowance). The costs would rise in subsequent years as more new entrants join the system.
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 is benefitting 18,000 teachers and nearly 5,000 SNAs within the education sector. The deal provides for a series of incremental jumps for new entrants.
I am fully aware that the teacher unions have outstanding issues of concern following the September 2018 agreement. These outstanding matters will be given full consideration. This will happen in the context of the next round of pay talks. The positions of each of the parties on these matters must be given due regard in endeavouring to reach a mutually agreed resolution.
The current series of restorative measures 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.