Written answers

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Proposed Legislation

10:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the conditions of staff who will transfer to the newly formed Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland, particularly non-remuneration-based conditions as outlined in Section 21, subsection 2 of the Bill; if he will clarify his comments at Second Stage debate (details supplied) that the apparent diminishment of staff conditions is not the Bill's intent and if these conditions will be the same as those outlined in the Qualification (Education and Training) Act 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26695/12]

Photo of Anne FerrisAnne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the Qualification and Quality Assurance Bill 2011, he will address concerns in relation to Section 21 (c) on work conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27251/12]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurances to employees of the four bodies to be covered by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011 that their current conditions of employment as outlined in section 52(8) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurances (Education and Employment) Act 1999 will not be detrimentally affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 213 and 229 together.

The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill contains provisions to protect the existing remuneration and superannuation entitlements of staff transferring to the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland. It is appropriate that the Oireachtas would protect remuneration and pension entitlements and these are covered in sections 21 and 22 of the Bill respectively.

In relation to any small variations in other terms, conditions and work practices that may exist between staff in the three organisations, it is not my intention to seek to undermine the working conditions of staff transferring to the new Authority.

However, in order for the new body to operate efficiently and effectively, it is important to achieve as much coherence as possible in working arrangements and terms and conditions. I believe that this can be achieved most effectively through management and staff associations working together, and within the framework of the Croke Park Agreement, to agree common approaches on any issues that arise.

The relevant provisions in the Bill mirror those in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 that covered the transfer of FÁS and HSE staff to the Department of Social Protection.

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