Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Deputy in sending my condolences to the family of Lorcan McNamee and I understand from Deputy Harkin’s contribution the important contribution that he made in regard to adult education tutors. May he rest in peace.

The proposal was for an increment to be awarded following the completion of 1,043 contact hours, rather than on the completion of 52 weeks worked. As I said, and for clarity, the unions contended that under section 9 of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001, this requires that whether someone is part-time or full-time, they would receive increments after the same period of employment regardless of the number of hours worked during that period of employment. The unions also sought confirmation that circular letter 65/2017, Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2003 - Implementation of Agreement in Respect of Tutors Employed by Education and Training Boards, will continue to apply to their members, including those who choose to assimilate and those who do not choose to assimilate.

Legal advice was sought and received from the Office of the Attorney General in regard to these matters. In light of this advice, I am now seeking approval for the award of an incremental credit to be based on the completion of the 52 weeks of work, rather than the hours. The associated cost of all tutors receiving the annual increment is, therefore, being forwarded to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for its consideration. I would not expect that a significant amount would arise from this until approximately 2026.

I will come back to the Deputy directly on the pension issue but that sounds logical, given the Deputy's contribution.

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