An inservice support service for the new junior certificate religious education subject was put in place and commenced work in January 2000. The team has been providing an inservice support programme since that time.
Some vacancies have arisen on the team this year. The posts were advertised and a competition held. It has not been possible to fill the particular posts as yet since, among other factors, there were not sufficient suitable candidates. Religious education is now being made available as an examination subject at leaving certificate level and seven schools are participating in the initial phase. A person has been appointed at national co-ordinator level to provide a support service for these schools.
The Department is considering merging the junior and leaving certificate support personnel into a single team and the appointment of regional development officers to the team.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 39.