Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Temporary Teachers.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

21 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the total number of temporary teachers employed in primary schools; the annual cost of employing these; the procedures that exist for the filling of these positions; if she will introduce mandatory procedures for the appointment of temporary teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There are currently 1,369 temporary teachers employed in primary schools. The total cost of employing these temporary teachers is approximately £23 million per annum.

The procedures for making appointments to teaching posts in primary schools are laid down in the "Guidelines and Rules of Procedure for Boards of Management". Under the terms of Rule 23 (e) of the procedures, the appointment of temporary assistants is a matter for the Board of Management, subject to the approval of the Minister. This provision, in effect accords management authorities discretionary powers in relation to the appointment of temporary teachers. Teachers so appointed must, of course, be qualified in the ordinary way. My understanding is that Boards of Management, in most cases, exercise the discretion allowed them by going through procedures of publicly advertising and competitively selecting long term temporary appointees.

I am aware of the positions of the INTO and the management bodies, who hold differing views on the issue of the introduction of mandatory procedures for the appointment of temporary teachers. My Department is continuing to have discussions with both the managerial authorities and the INTO in order to facilitate an agreement between them. For this reason I am reluctant to comment further.