Dáil debates

Thursday, 2 February 2017

12:10 pm

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the central executive committee of the ASTI took a decision to put the outcome of the recent talks process to a ballot of its members. We should await the result which will be announced later today.

On the points raised, it is critical to note that three quarters of the gap for new entrants described by the Deputy has been closed in this deal. It is a good offer that was made following negotiations with all the trade unions. This was a final offer and we should respect the ballot process. A new pay process is starting under the Public Sector Pay Commission which will address the issues raised by the Deputy.

There are immediate benefits to individual ASTI members in accepting the offer. The current deal on the table would see new teachers get a 15% to 22% increase in their salaries, beginning in January; immediate backdated payments for supervision and substitution for all teachers; restoration of increments; and increased flexibility in how the Croke Park hours are used in schools. Acceptance would also mean that ASTI members can avail of a new voluntary opt-out from the supervision and substitution scheme and would provide for earlier permanency for those on fixed-term contracts as well as new arrangements for securing additional hours for part-timers. The Deputy will see why I say the deal on offer is a good one. I hope the result of the ballot later today will be positive.

It is important to note that under the package announced in the recent budget, which was also significant, there will be greater promotion opportunities on offer in schools for new teachers coming into the system.

These benefits are only available to ASTI members if they vote to accept the package. The proposals also include arrangements for addressing concerns about the junior cycle, including arrangements for ensuring that no current third year students miss out on marks in their English examination.

I accept that the ASTI has outstanding pay demands and that the deal does not travel the full distance it set out to achieve. However, it represents significant progress, as I indicated. The door is certainly not closed to the trade union movement seeking to advance the issue further in the context of our public service pay talks when they get under way.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.