I raise the issue of adult education tutors who work with the most marginalised groups and students but suffer basic unfairness in the terms and conditions of their employment. These workers pay the Teaching Council but do not have the status of teachers. They see pay inequality among their colleagues across the education and training boards, ETBs, and there is no pay parity between pre-2011 and post-2011 entrants. They do not have an incremental salary scheme. They work in the public sector but do not have public service contracts. There is uncertainty over their hours and during the summer months they are laid off and must sign on. Will the Government step up and provide basic fairness to these important educators.

I thank the Deputy. I have met groups in my own constituency of Dublin Fingal, including Prosper Fingal. They have been encouraging and I know a campaign is under way within those companies to address pay, in particular. It is a matter the Government will consider seriously. The provision of these services is crucial and the work these tutors do on behalf of vulnerable adults and children, in particular those with special needs, is absolutely critical. We need to ensure those tutors are supported. The matter will be considered by the Government in the coming months.