Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will speak about Carlow. Adult education tutors are vital in Carlow and we have great tutors who provide an excellent service. At the moment, some of our tutors are working with the most disadvantaged and, indeed, with Ukrainian students, both young and old. It is very important that we move along with this. A 2020 Labour Court recommendation requested that the Department seeks to resolve things and place these tutors on an incremental scale. At present, they are paid hourly and they sign on during every school summer closure. I know the Minister has agreed that this must be done and he has sent costings to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform but it seems to be stuck there. I ask that we move on this. I know many of the tutors in Carlow and they are excellent. I believe we need to get this done.

I am also looking forward to seeing the Minister in Carlow soon as I know he is coming to Carlow College, St. Patrick's. I hope that happens as soon as possible.

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