Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
3426. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department will take to sanction a pay increase of 9.25% for instructors, clerical staff and management of training centres (details supplied) who have not received a pay increase since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26136/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra3427. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reasons his Department did not previously agree to the proposal regarding a 9.25% pay increase sought by instructors, clerical staff and management of training centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 3426 and 3427 together.
In the first instance, I would like to reiterate that I fully appreciate the vital work carried out through the Youthreach programme, including that delivered by CTCs. The Youthreach programme plays a crucial role in supporting a particularly vulnerable cohort of young people. I also fully acknowledge and empathise with the current situation in which CTC staff find themselves.
It should be noted, however, that the issue of pay increases is not one that falls within the sole remit of my Department. Decisions on funding for pay increases require the approval of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, and are made in the context of holistic budgetary provision.
The 9.25% increase being sought is currently being pursued via a tripartite structure consisting of representatives from SOLAS, IACTO and SIPTU. Although my Department is not part of this structure, my officials liaise very closely with SOLAS in this respect.
Officials from all concerned parties are continuing to engage via the appropriate channels and industrial relations mechanisms which are in place. An offer has been proposed, however, as the process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment further on this particular issue.
