Vol. 541 No. 4
545 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he has established dialogue with the various teachers' unions with a view to preventing misunderstandings which might lead to industrial action in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/01]
There is an agreed conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers through which issues that affect the pay and conditions of service are processed. Issues are discussed at the teachers' conciliation council which meets every month. The council is comprised of representatives of the three teacher unions, the managerial authorities of primary and post-primary schools and officials from my Department and the Department of Finance. In the event of disagreement, there is provision for agreed independent arbitration. The scheme has worked successfully and facilitates agreement on a range of issues relating to pay and conditions of service for teachers. In addition, officials from my Department are in regular contact with officials from the three teacher unions on a wide range of issues.
