Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I mentioned on Committee Stage that the representatives of the patron bodies - a large number of groups - made a presentation to the education committee and they outlined a number of practical changes they would like to see incorporated in this Bill. Deputy Mitchell O'Connor participated in that debate as well.

The Croke Park agreement is for a finite period of time. Regardless of those people criticising it, it has brought benefits in the delivery of public services and in the management of the public service as well. Does this Bill now put in legislation the redeployment elements of the Croke Park agreement? I do not know whether it is advisable or if there is any requirement to pay redeployment processes and regulations on a legislative basis. From speaking to the patron bodies, to the individual teachers, to principals and to chairpersons of boards of management, I understand the redeployment processes have worked well. One notable aspect of the redeployment process is the difference in application vis-À-vis second level and primary schools. There is no review of primary level while there is provision for review at second level. The Minister might indicate to us if this is likely to change.

It was very clear from the presentation made to us at the education committee that the representatives of the patron bodies were not looking for a veto. They were very adamant that they wanted to get that message across, in case they would be misrepresented. They wanted to continue the process of engaging with the Department and with the relevant stakeholders, as that process had worked well. It was a process that was given particular impetus in the past two years in particular. Mr. Hanevy, one of the Minister's assistant Secretaries General, was speaking at our committee earlier, and he spoke of the great dialogue that exists between the Department and its stakeholders. He stated that before circulars are finalised, there is generally an input from the representatives bodies, including the patron bodies in this case. When the Department, the patron bodies and the other stakeholders are cognisant of the value that partnership and the way that system has worked effectively, I do not know why there is a need to change it.

In discussing issues in this House and on Committee Stage, we have all spoken with the potential for decentralising decision making. The Minister has referred to that on a number of occasions, in respect of staffing, career guidance and devolving building projects to VECs. This Bill effectively centralises employment provisions. Is it advisable that the Department of Education and Skills should occupy centre stage in the employment process? I do not think so. As the partnership process has worked well, I believe it should be continued and it probably has the potential to be enhanced without the Oireachtas setting down legislative measures.

I asked on Committee Stage if the patron bodies had been consulted prior to the finalisation of this Bill. I presume that Mr. Hanevy's remarks this morning answer that question. One other issue that has been raised - it was also raised by Deputy Crowe - is a concern among some of the teaching community that the employment contracts of thousands of people may well be changed by the enactment of this legislation.

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