Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1162. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the measures being introduced to improve pay and conditions for teachers of English as a second language to adult immigrants. [71531/25]
View answerI would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work carried out by tutors delivering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programmes in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) since 2022 in response to the significant demand arising from the arrival of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Their efforts have been critical in supporting integration and access to education for those affected.
ETBs employ staff to deliver ESOL programmes under the terms and conditions of tutors or the new Adult Educator grade. It is important to note that there is no separate grade of “teacher of English” within the Further Education and Training sector.Substantial work has been undertaken over a number of years by my Department, the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure, Education and Training Boards Ireland, SIPTU and TUI to improve pay and conditions for these tutors. In March 2024, agreement was reached between all parties to establish a new Adult Educator grade. This grade provides a standardised pay scale aligned to the Youthreach Resource Person grade, offering incremental progression, including those delivering ESOL programmes. Existing tutors may opt to convert to the new grade or remain on the hourly tutor rate.
ETBs are currently overseeing the implementation process for the new grade. My Department is continuing to monitor progress to ensure full implementation of these measures.
