Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

110. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the pay position for newly qualified primary school teachers; the plans in place to review this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The issue of addressing the difference in incremental salary scales between those public servants, including Teachers, who entered public service employment since 2011 and those who entered before that date was addressed with the relevant union interests under the provisions of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). Any further consideration of remuneration for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 -2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement).  Any such considertion  will also of course have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest Acts 2009 - 2013 (FEMPI), as well as its affordability being underpinned through delivering enhanced work place practices and productivity.

It is particularly worth noting that under the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) the process of restoring public service pay is commencing. An important feature of this process is the flat rate increases which are  being implemented and which are proportionately more valuable to those public servants including Teachers who are at an early stage in their careers. Furthermore and specifically in respect of Teachers the restoration of the Supervision and Substitution payment is also provided for under the LRA subject to there being  compliance on the part of the relevant unions with the provisions of that Agreement.

The Programme for Government also states that Government will establish a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the public service.  The precise structure of such a commission and the technical aspects as to how it would operate have yet to be decided upon and would require broad consultation, including engagement with staff representatives as was committed to in the Lansdowne Road Agreement.  My officials have begun to review international best practice in respect of public service pay determination models.  This will help frame the Government's thinking on how to establish a fair, transparent and accountable process for determining public service pay, taking into account the views of all stakeholders.