Vol. 405 No. 2
110 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the members of the Teachers Union of Ireland have voted to take strike action over the failure of her Department to sanction permanent appointments in Glenties comprehensive school, County Donegal; if she will now sanction the permanent appointments to which the school is entitled; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the proposed threat of strike action by members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland in Glenties comprehensive school. The position is that, pending the introduction of a redevelopment scheme for teachers in community and comprehensive schools, my Department, as a general rule, does not sanction the appointment of teachers in a permanent capacity in these schools. The schools have been made aware of this policy.
Pending the introduction of redevelopment, however, schools are free to make temporary wholetime appointments, provided such are warranted by reference to approved teacher allocation. The board of management of Glenties comprehensive school have been informed on more than one occasion that my Department would be prepared to accept proposals for the appointment of temporary teachers to the vacancies which exist.
