Michael Ring
Question:326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo has lost the services of the supply panel in view of the current buoyant economy. [4128/98]
Written Answers. - Substitute Teachers.
Earlier in the current school year, the supply panel scheme was extended by the provision of a further 30 teachers. The scheme now operates in 17 locations throughout the country serving a large number of schools.
The school to which the Deputy refers was served by the supply panel when it operated as a pilot scheme. In the context of the development of the scheme, it was necessary to redress difficulties which had presented during the pilot phase.
Accordingly, a reduction in the number of supply teachers in some locations was deemed appropriate to ensure a more efficient management of the scheme. A consequence of this action was a reduction in the number of schools in these areas benefiting from the scheme. I should stress that the reduction in supply teachers in some locations was accompanied by an increase in the number of teachers in other locations.
The school to which the Deputy refers was one of the schools excluded following the changes to the pilot scheme. I should emphasise, however, that the school in question is still entitled to engage substitute teachers when necessary from outside of the panel scheme.