Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister talked about a new adult educator pay scale. From speaking to adult education tutors, I know they do not want teacher contracts or contracts aligned to the terms and conditions of resource workers. They want to be recognised for the work they do. It is not better or worse; it is different. It is reasonable that any contract would reflect that difference and the actual work they do. They do the same work as further education and training and post-primary level 5 colleagues, and they want to be paid properly for their holidays, which is only reasonable. I know they are looking for clarification as to what is in the contract. I have been told that, as far as they are concerned, there is a lot of ambiguity about this. I am asking for clarification, although I know the Minister has already provided some.

Moreover, as the Minister recognised, some ETBs have not honoured the Building Momentum public pay agreement for adult tutors. They say they are waiting for a circular from the Department but such a thing does not exist. I ask the Minister to help to sort this out.

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