Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

There is agreement across the House that money ring-fenced for staff should go to staff. I acknowledge that has been Deputy Kerrane’s personal view from the beginning. I met joint labour committee representatives today and I have met them previously. While they are entirely independent of me, it is important I take every opportunity, as the Deputy has, to articulate that money on the table is specifically ring-fenced for staff. It should go directly to them.

While I referenced it briefly earlier, I wish to mention that although pay is a key component, other important issues were identified by the group as well. For example, the student fast-track process was an important issue for the group where students who have reached a particular level, such as level 5, could be acknowledged for that and work as they moved to levels 7 and 8.

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