Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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18. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Haddington Road Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43710/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Department Circular 49/2013 sets out the position in relation to the Haddington Road Agreement and the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 for teachers in post-primary schools and is available at the following address:

The Agreement applies to teachers employed in Education and Training Board schools (apart from Designated Community Colleges). In general, the FEMPI Act continues to apply to teachers employed in Voluntary Secondary schools. In dual-union schools (Designated Community Colleges and Community and Comprehensive Schools), the FEMPI Act continues to apply to teachers who are not members of TUI.

While certain issues of dual representation require further consideration, the position set out above provides an initial basis for the implementation of the Haddington Road Agreement. It is stressed however, that the application of the Agreement is entirely conditional upon adherence to its terms by the teachers to whom it is applied.

As is the norm with public service collective agreements, the Haddington Road Agreement was negotiated with trade unions which are recognised as representing staff in the public service (including teachers). It is normal practice in the public service that the decision of the trade union recognised as holding representative rights for a particular grade or sector will determine the position for all relevant staff in that grade/sector.