Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teacher Deployment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

78 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected dividend of teaching resource expected at primary and secondary level in the 1998-99 school year; and whether he will need to recruit additional teachers beyond this number to achieve his objectives for teaching resources. [7456/98]

Richard Bruton

Question:

117 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected dividend of teaching resources expected at primary and secondary level in the 1998-99 school year; and whether he will need to recruit additional teachers beyond this number in order to achieve his objectives for teaching resources. [7648/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 117 together.

It is anticipated that the demographic dividend at primary level at the end of the current school year will be approximately 190 posts. It is not expected that there will be a demographic divident at second level this year. An Action Programme for the Millennium contains a commitment to give primary education clear priority in the allocation of resources. I am examining a range of options to determine how best to deliver on this commitment. I assure the Deputy that within the limits of the resources available to me from the demographic dividend, I will make substantial improvements in these areas.