Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 420: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when it was decided to send out the recent questionnaire regarding secretaries and caretakers to primary schools; the purpose and objective of this questionnaire; the rationale behind this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18439/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the first instance, I would like to point out that the survey to which the Deputy is referring, has issued to all voluntary post-primary schools, in addition to all primary schools. This survey arose from the talks which led to the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement in 2008. At that time it was agreed that the relevant parties would enter into discussions regarding the terms and conditions of school secretaries and caretakers.

Following ratification of the Transitional Agreement by the Unions in November 2008, a forum was set up with the aim of establishing the factual position in schools regarding the terms and conditions of employment of school secretaries and caretakers. The forum is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Finance, and also comprises of the relevant School Management Bodies, and the relevant Unions (IMPACT and SIPTU). The forum held its first meeting in December 2008.

The forum determined that the best way to establish this factual position was by conducting a comprehensive survey. This survey was then developed by my Department, in consultation with the other members of the forum. As there are established terms and conditions for secretaries and caretakers employed in the Community & Comprehensive sector and the VEC sector, it was decided that the survey should only cover the primary and voluntary post-primary sectors. This survey was then issued to all relevant schools on Monday, 20 April 2009. I hope that this information is of assistance to the Deputy.