asked the Minister for Education if changes have been introduced in the operation of the diocesan panel system for primary schools to the effect (a) that a teacher no longer has a choice of three schools to which he/she may be transferred, but must now accept the first teaching post offered and (b) that a school with special needs will not have those needs taken into account in the allocation of a teacher to that school.
Written Answers. - Diocesan Panel System.
29.
There has been no change in the operation of the Panel Rule as applying to national teachers.
The position is that national teachers are not obliged during the first three months after their names have been included on an approved Panel, to accept posts offered to them. After that, they must accept offers of appointment as a condition of continued payment of salary, unless the school involved is beyond a certain distance. With that exception a teacher is required to accept the first offer of a Panel post and a choice of schools is not in question.
Teachers whose names are placed on Panels are fully qualified and eligible for appointment in all national schools, including special schools.