Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 5

Written Answers. - Substitute Primary Teachers.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

177 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will give an estimate of the number of substitute primary teachers in the primary school system; the basis on which these teachers are paid; if she will outline their conditions of employment; and if she has any plans to improve their situation.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is estimated that the total number of substitute primary teachers is in the region of 3,400, of whom, on any one day, 815, on average, are serving.

Applications for payment in respect of the employment of substitutes by school boards of management are made to my Department by the chairpersons of the boards. Payment, less the appropriate rate of PRSI, is made by my Department to the chairpersons who, in turn, recoup the teachers.

Substitute teachers are employed in respect of absences by full-time teachers on (a) paid sick leave, (b) paid maternity leave, (c) jury service and (d) official courses. The daily rates of payment are £38 (trained) and £33.57 (untrained).

My Department are in regular discussion with all the teachers' associations with regard to their conditions of employment. Currently, a claim on behalf of substitute teachers in relation to pay rates is the subject of arbitration hearings.