Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. However, the effect of the amendments would be to introduce a general requirement that the Minister must consult and, in the case of Deputy Crowe's amendment No. 6, agree with the education partners any change in numbers, qualifications and terms of conditions of employment of teachers and other school staff. It would also continue the requirement to reach agreement with all parties on appointment, suspension and dismissal procedures. These matters were discussed at length by me in the Seanad and by the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, on Committee Stage in this House.

Amendments Nos.6 and 7 introduce a requirement to consult, and in the case of amendment No. 6, to agree the numbers and qualifications of teachers and other school staff. Amendment No. 8 also introduces a requirement to consult and agree the terms and conditions of employment generally of school staff. These amendments would set aside the existing provisions whereby the Ministers for Education and Skills and Public Expenditure and Reform determine the numbers, qualifications and terms and conditions of employment. Amendment No. 9 would impose a requirement to reach agreement on the redeployment procedures in schools. I am not accepting amendments Nos. 6 to 8, inclusive, as they would diminish the existing powers in legislation given to the Ministers and, by extension, the Government regarding numbers, qualifications and terms and conditions of teachers and other staff who are public servants and remunerated from public funds. Neither can I accept amendment No. 9.

The Bill is intended to remove any inherent weaknesses in the current legislation that inhibit the operation of redeployment processes or cause delay, in general or in individual cases, because a party withholds agreement. Consultation is provided for and redeployment arrangements continue to be developed to accommodate issues that arise and ensure optimum results. However, the net point, as I said extensively in the Seanad, is that there must be a capacity to overcome obstacles and ensure a fair distribution of staff and resources to all schools.

I have references to amendment No. 16. Is it being discussed with the other amendments, a Cheann Comhairle?

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