Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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1034. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there are significant discrepancies in how different ETBs are handling the allocation of hours and contracts for adult educators; his plans to ensure fair and consistent treatment of adult educators across all ETBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39511/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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In March 2024, SIPTU and TUI accepted a proposal made by my Department, the Department of Education and Youth (DEY), and the Department of Public Expenditure (DPER), to formally establish a new grade of adult educator with a pay scale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person scale. This followed many years of work by my Department, DEY, DPER, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), and the two unions, SIPTU and TUI. This grade was developed within the parameters of a Labour Court recommendation, which acknowledged that, because of differences in the roles, qualifications and regulatory frameworks, any adult educator grade could not involve alignment with teachers’ pay scales and terms of employment. It is optional for tutors whether they convert to the new grade or remain on existing terms.

The grade was formally established in April 2024 when DEY issued an Information Note, ESR ETB 0001/2024, to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), with details of the grade.

This Information Note, and documents and communications materials based on it and developed in agreement with the unions, instruct ETBs on how to implement the new grade in respect of the allocation of hours. A contract template to be used by ETBs was also provided.

ETBs are currently working to implement the grade. ETBI have advised my officials that all ETBs have either implemented the grade or are in the process of doing so in accordance with Information Note ESR ETB 0001/2024.

A proportion of delivery staff in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector are employed on fixed term contracts. This ensures an agile FET system with an ability to be responsive to dynamic local education, training and community needs. Such staff, and their contracts and hours, are managed within the parameters of employment law, including the Fixed Term Workers Act 2003. Individual ETBs are the employers and, as such, are responsible for staffing matters with Ministerial consents and approvals as may be determined from time to time.