Further to concerns raised with the TUI, particularly by our members representing staff on Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and those representing staff on ETB school boards of management, the TUI has made representations to the Department of Education and Skills on the proposal by the Minister, issued in December 2014, that members of every ETB school board of management must be resident within 20kms of the school in question.
Following these representations, the DES has confirmed that the Minister has decided to amend her previous directions in relation to the composition of boards of management on the following terms:
- The 20 kilometre requirement is rescinded on the grounds that it creates some potentially significant unintentional consequences. However, the Minister has reiterated her desire that to the greatest extent possible membership of ETB school boards should come from the community it serves.
- Travel expenses for members of boards of management are to be capped at 20 kilometre per single journey by private car. Where travel is undertaken by bus or train, vouched expenses will be payable.
- Subsistence allowances will not be payable to members of boards of management for attendance at Board meetings, however, schools may provide tea/coffee and light refreshments, if authorised by the Board, from petty cash.
Letters issued last Friday to the Chairpersons and Chief Executives of the ETBs advising them of the Minister’s decisions.