Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

389. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when ETB employees who accepted adult educator contracts will be moved to the appropriate point on the salary scale; when all back pay owing to these employees will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49484/25]

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

By way of background, in 2024, the new grade of adult educator was established, in agreement with SIPTU and TUI. This followed many years of work by my Department, with the Department of Education, the Department of Public Expenditure, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), and SIPTU and TUI.

This grade was established in response to a claim by tutors and the subsequent Labour Court recommendation. The recommendation specified that any new grade could not align with teachers due to differences in the roles, qualifications and regulatory frameworks for tutors and teachers.

It is open to tutors whether they convert to the grade or remain on their current terms.

Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are currently overseeing the implementation process for the new grade, within the parameters of an Information Note (ESR ETB 001/2024) circulated by the Department of Education and Youth in March 2024. This Information Note details, among other things, the point on the new scale at which an adult educator should be moved to.

The implementation process is complex. In May, my officials issued an email to ETB CEOs noting my concern about the delays and instructing them to complete as soon as possible. ETBI have confirmed that all ETBs are continuing to work on the implementation process as a matter of priority. Officials, with SOLAS, ETBI and the ETBs are currently working together to clarify issues as they arise so that the implementation process can be completed as soon as possible.

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. Each ETB will complete the process and award the back pay at different times. Following a sectoral survey, ETBI recently informed my officials that it is anticipated that nine ETBs will have paid arrears this year while the remainder will pay them next year.