Vol. 429 No. 7
113 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the establishment of supply panels of substitute teachers on a pilot basis for the school year 1993-1994; and if North Galway and East Galway will be considered for these pilot projects.
Following negotiations between my Department, the INTO and managerial authorities, agreement has been reached to introduce from September, 1993, two pilot projects for a supply panel of substitute teachers.
The first project will be comprised of three supply panels of ten teachers each, established in three different areas, to include rural, urban and disadvantaged areas. Certain schools in selected areas will employ additional full-time temporary teachers who will cover the substitute needs for teachers absent on sick leave within a defined catchment area.
In the second project a budget will be allocated to a number of schools to cover the estimated cost of substitution for a range of absences in each. The budget will be credited to a school, and substitute teachers will continue to be paid by my Department. Any unclaimed balance at the end of the year will be allocated to the school in the form of a grant.
A committee has been established comprising officials of my Department, representatives of the INTO and managerial authorities. This committee has been asked to recommend areas and schools for inclusion in the pilot projects.
