Talks with Teachers’ Unions
O’Rourke asked the Minister to meet the teachers’ unions to resolve the impasse. Hussey said no formal request had been received but offered talks through the Teachers’ Conciliation Council, aiming for agreement on a package within Exchequer constraints; O’Rourke argued the council lacked authority and insisted the Minister meet the unions. The exchange became heated, and the Chair moved to the next item.
asked the Minister for Education if she will agree to meet the teachers' unions for talks in an effort to resolve the education impasse.
Comment on this
I have not received any formal request from the teachers' unions for talks. However, machinery exists in the Teachers' Conciliation Council for discussion of teachers' claims. I am perfectly willing to arrange to have officials meet the unions in the council and I would hope that it would be possible to reach agreement on a package which would include the 25th round of pay increases and other pay related matters, due account being taken of the financial constraints on the Exchequer.
Comment on this
The Minister is aware — so there is no point in asking the question — that the public service committee have no authority to negotiate or discuss an award to an individual union already adjudicated upon.
Comment on this
——that when I say something that she does not like, she gets all flippery and prickly. I am not allowed to say anything to her.
Comment on this
It is the Minister's disastrous mishandling that caused this situation in the first instance.