Sorting teacher pay dispute 'an absolute priority' for minister

The union said its members 'need' the money 'in a world where bills must be paid on time'. File picture: PA

The minister for education has said she wants the pay dispute between teachers and the Government sorted as “an absolute priority”. 

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) annual congress heard on Wednesday that the 1% pay increase, which was due in September and has still not been received, was called a “breach” by the department under their collective agreement.

TUI members say they are due the 1% pay increase retroactive from September last year, as part of a 3% increase overall under local bargaining.

TUI president Anthony Quinn reiterated the demand for the local bargaining payment.

Mr Quinn told congress that its members “expect and demand written assurance that the promised local bargaining payments under the public service pay agreement will be applied as agreed with [Minister Hildegarde Naughton’s] department, as communicated to our members and not altered, paused or clawed back".

Minister for education Hildegarde Naughton said she had no timeline as to when the money would reach the pockets of teachers. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

“That is not an extravagant demand. It is the bare minimum required to sustain trust. If trust is broken by the department, all bets are off,” Mr Quinn said.

“We want the 3% pay increase promised and agreed for delivering on senior cycle redevelopment. 

"We want our money, our members need it, they live in a world where bills must be paid, on time,” Mr Quinn added.

Ms Naughton said that she wanted this resolved and prioritised as soon as possible.

“I absolutely hear the concerns of teachers, and that is why this is a priority for me and for Government to get this delivered for our school leaders, principals, and teachers across the country,” she said following her first address to the TUI congress.

The minister added that she had no timeline as to when the money would reach the pockets of teachers, and when asked about delays, she said it was due to “ongoing engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and unions".

It comes as two new posts to support the Leaving Certificate cycle across the country will be made available from Wednesday for teachers who have accepted the new reform.