Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 97: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on a proposal (details supplied). [40830/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The scheduling of school holiday periods at Christmas and Easter and mid-term breaks is agreed between the education partners under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council. The Teachers Conciliation Council is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education & Skills and Finance.

The current agreement covers the school years 2008/9 to 2010/11. Discussions in regard to the arrangements for the school years 2011/12 to 2013/14 have recently commenced. My Department has received representations regarding the timing of the mid-term break and the date of Halloween. These have been raised with the group and will be taken into consideration during the discussions, as will the Deputy's proposal. When the arrangements for the forthcoming years have been finalised, schools will be notified by means of a Circular letter. The arrangements will also be available on my Department's website.