Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 3

Written Answers. - Retention of Teaching Posts.

Paul McGrath

Question:

140 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm her recent announcement that 200 primary teachers who, because of a marginal decrease in pupils, would have to move to another school, will now be retained in their own school; and the criteria to be used in determining the way in which these positions will be retained.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There has been a steady decline in enrolments at primary level over a number of years. This decline will result in a surplus of approximately 200 teaching posts in September, 1993. The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government indicates, as a policy priority, that the pupil/teacher ratio at primary level will be reduced to 22 to 1 by September, 1996.

As a first stage in implementing the commitment in the Programme for Government, I propose to retain these 200 posts within the system. In line with my commitment to target the disadvantaged; I intend to distribute these posts over such areas as remedial education, disadvantaged areas, home/school liaison, travellers and special education.

My Department recently issued a circular to all primary schools seeking applications for assistance under the special schemes of teaching and financial assistance for schools serving disadvantaged areas. The information supplied by applicant schools will be used by my Department to compile a list, in order of need, of schools for inclusion in that scheme.