Vol. 483 No. 1
217 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Irish primary teachers on secondment to European schools; the number of postprimary teachers on secondment to European schools; if he will give a gender breakdown for each category; the length of time a teacher can be seconded to European schools; and the necessary criteria, if any, to qualify for secondment to European schools. [19906/97]
There are 15 primary teachers from Ireland on secondment to the European schools, (three male and 12 female), while there are 26 second level teachers, (12 male and 14 female) also on secondment.
Since 1 September 1989, new appointments are limited to a maximum of nine years service. A further year's service can be allowed in special circumstances as outlined in section 29(a) of the Statutes governing the European schools. Appointments made prior to 1 September 1989 are not subject to such limits. Appointments to the European schools are open to fully qualified teachers and educators with a minimum of three years satisfactory teaching experience — permanent or temporary incremental — who are employed in posts from which they can be seconded or where panel or redeployment rights are assured.
