Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 2

Written Answers. - Second Level Temporary Teacher Members.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

86 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the total number of second level teachers currently employed in a temporary capacity; whether the use of temporary teachers is regarded as being beneficial to the general education system; if she has plans to make permanent appointments in any or all of these cases in the current years or thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The allocations of teaching posts to community-comprehensive schools and to vocational education committees are expressed in whole-time teacher equivalents, thus leaving the relevant management authorities discretion to make either part-time or whole-time appointments in accordance with school needs.

According to my Department's records 158 teachers out of a total of 2,458 teachers in community-comprehensive schools (approximately 6 per cent) are currently employed in a temporary whole-time capacity. In the second level vocational schools the position is that less than 5 per cent, i.e. 220, out of approximately 4,500 posts are temporary whole-time. Details of the number of temporary teachers in secondary schools are not readily available.

It is open to both the community-comprehensive schools and second level vocational schools sectors to fill approved teaching posts in a permanent whole-time capacity provided such are warranted by reference to the approved teacher allocation.

It must be remembered that a significant number of the temporary posts in second level schools relate to replacements for teachers on career breaks whose posts are kept open. Other temporary appointments will relate to certain courses, the future of which are not definite.