Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

3313. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason adult education teachers are being told there is no role or guarantee of hours for the coming academic year, while positions are being advertised for new recruits, and while Government is increasing funding to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40716/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In March 2024, SIPTU and TUI accepted a proposal made by my Department, the Department of Education and Youth, and the Department of Public Expenditure, 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, with the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure, 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 the Department of Education and Youth issued an information note, ESR ETB 0001/2024, to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with details of the new grade.This Information Note, and related documents and communications materials, which were developed based on the Note in agreement with the unions, instruct ETBs on how the conversion process is to be implemented in respect of the allocation of hours and provide a contract template to be used by ETBs.

ETBs are currently overseeing the process of offering the choice to tutors of converting to the new grade or remaining terms and conditions. ETBI have advised my officials that all ETBs either have completed or are in the process of implementing the new grade as per ESR ETB Information Note 0001/2024.

A proportion of FET delivery staff 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 are managed within the parameters of employment law including the Fixed Term Workers Act 2003. Circular 0065/2017 sets out arrangements under the Fixed Term Work Act in respect of Tutors including renewal of successive fixed term contracts. On 3rd July, my Department issued a communication reminding Chief Executives that this circular applies to Adult Educators who converted from Tutors and removes the need for staff to go through formal recruitment processes when their contracts are being renewed. ETBI have confirmed there are no outstanding issues in this regard.

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.