Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
925. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made in placing ETB employees who accepted adult educator contracts on the correct point of the adult educator salary scale; the timeline for the payment of all outstanding salary arrears due to those employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of the Adult Educator grade in April 2024, following the Labour Court’s 2020 recommendation and subsequent consultation with unions, is a significant milestone. The introduction of the new grade is the outcome of over a decade of discussion and negotiation with both the TUI and SIPTU, and represents a substantial improvement in tutors’ working conditions.
The implementation of the grade is being overseen by Education and Training Boards (ETBs), supported by guidance documents developed by ETBI in consultation with the unions. With approximately 1,600 adult educator tutors opting to avail of the conversion, it has been an extensive and detailed process, reflecting both the variety of contracts that exist, and the complex nature of the work undertaken by a large and diverse cohort of staff who operate within the FET system.
According to information provided by ETBI and SOLAS, to date, the majority of ETBs have completed the conversion process. Work is ongoing to finalise the payment of outstanding salary arrears, with remaining amounts expected to be paid by the end of this year.
It should be noted that individual ETBs are the employers and, as such, are responsible for staffing matters with Ministerial consents and approvals as may be determined from time to time. Any issues pertaining to the Adult Educator conversion process are a matter for the relevant ETB.
