To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail how she ensures that her Department treats teaching roles across further education equitably with teaching roles in schools, particularly in terms of (i) remuneration; and (ii) recognition.

Remuneration and recognition for those with teaching roles in schools falls under the responsibility of the Department of Education, whilst my Department holds responsibility for the Further Education colleges as employers of those with teaching roles across further education. My predecessor provided a budget envelope last year which allowed for an 11.2% pay increase for Further Education lecturers for 2023/24, which aligned with that provided for schoolteachers. I am pleased that I was able to facilitate a multi-year pay offer which again took cognisance of the pay increase agreed for schoolteachers for 2024/25 as a further step towards parity for Further Education lecturers. I remain fully supportive of equitable remuneration and recognition for Further Education lecturers.