asked the Minister for Education whether she has any plans to offer redundancy terms to teachers in the primary sector during the course of the academic year starting in September 1989, in view of the very low placement rate of graduates from the teacher training colleges, particularly at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Redundancy Terms for Primary Teachers.
63.
I have no plans at present to offer redundancy terms to teachers in the primary sector in the course of the 1989-90 academic year. In relation to the placement of graduates from teacher training colleges following the change in the arrangements governing the staffing of national schools, it was agreed that vacancies as temporary replacements for teachers leaving on career breaks would not have to be filled from the redeployment panels, thus enabling new graduates to apply for these posts. Some 450 national teachers availed of career breaks this year and the total number of teachers absent on career breaks now stands at 1,233. Newly qualified teachers may also be employed as substitutes for teachers absent on sick leave, maternity leave, etc. and some 800 substitutes are employed in national schools on any school day. In addition, measures have been taken to reduce substantially the intake of students into the colleges of education.
It has been agreed that the pupil-teacher ratio will be improved in 1990-91 with reviews thereafter in the light of available resources.