Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 2

Written Answers - Supply Panel Scheme.

Jim Higgins

Question:

292 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will restore the availability of the supply panel to Carn national school, Garranard PO, Ballina, County Mayo, which has had the supply panel service for the past number of years. [9905/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

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 piot scheme. In the context of the development of the scheme, it was necessary to redress difficulties which has 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 benefitting 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.

Carn national school was one of the schools excluded following the changes to the pilot scheme. I should emphasise, however, that Carn national school is still entitled to engage substitute teachers when necessary from outside of the panel scheme.