Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Department of Education and Skills

Teachers' Remuneration

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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164. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to end pay discrimination against newly qualified teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/16]

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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171. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how he will address the anomaly whereby newly qualified teachers, despite having been educated to a high standard for this profession, are paid 22% less than their colleagues who have been employed since before 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/16]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will end the pay inequality that teachers who qualified after 2011 are subject to, given five years of salary cuts and the Government's proposal to establish a public service pay commission; the timeframe for the commission to act on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11781/16]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills why he has not ended the policy of inequality imposed on teachers, some of whom have lost over €20,000 for up to five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11783/16]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will end pay inequality for teachers and make their pay equal for the equal work they do, given that the financial emergency is over, the economy is growing and we hear it is time to make work pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11785/16]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 171 and 196 to 198, inclusive, together.

The Government has committed to establishing a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the Public Service, including entry pay levels. The terms of reference and timescale for the Commission's work are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Government recognises the importance of being able to attract quality new entrants to the Public Service, particularly so in important professional areas like education.

The restrictions in entry pay levels were introduced in 2011 and 2012 across the public service at a time when the pressure in public finances was severe and the scope for new recruitment was very restricted.

Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement the process of restoring public pay is commencing. An important feature of this is the flat rate increase which is being implemented. This is proportionately more valuable to those early in their careers. Restoration of the supervision and substitution payment is provided for subject to co-operation with the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Lansdowne Road Agreement did not address the issue of pay of new entrants.

My Department continues to seek to engage with teacher unions on issues of mutual concern and has recently reached agreement with INTO and TUI in respect of

- discussions to improve the position of teachers on fixed-term and part-time teaching

- a robust review of in-school management structures

- an increase in the quantum of the extra Croke Park hours which do not have to be worked on a "whole school" basis.

The Government has also indicated that it will support the gradual negotiated repeal of FEMPI measures having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.

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