John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an educational matter. While it may not be of the lofty heights of, as referred to by Senator Barrett, the proposed amalgamation of the esteemed institutions of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, it is, nonetheless, every bit as important to the people of Laois and has broad-ranging implications for people across the country.

Many Members of this House are involved in education and hold the issue near to their hearts. Last night, teachers in Laois voted overwhelmingly to strike as a result of the decision by Laois VEC to force the transfer of two long-serving teachers, which is in total breach of all existing industrial relations mechanisms, IVEA-TUI agreements and the natural justice and well established principle of last in, first out. I call on the Leader to bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, so that he can intervene in a timely fashion before this matter escalates out of control. I also call on the IVEA to exercise its influence over the CEO of Laois VEC, who has a moral responsibility to abide by existing and binding recommendations of the Labour Relations Commission and to not flout or totally ignore in a cavalier fashion agreements which have been in place for 20 years, thus ensuring industrial peace. There is an element of injustice and vindictiveness in what has been done. If not addressed this issue will result in an all-out strike in Laois, which will soon spread to the rest of the country, with detrimental effects for students and schools.