Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Ulick Burke

Question:

393 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide replacement teachers to take over teaching duties when post holders are involved in duties as a result of the new in-school management system at voluntary secondary schools; the reason this difference exists between these schools and other second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20075/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Teachers in voluntary secondary schools are required to teach for a minimum of 18 hours per week to qualify for the payment of incremental salary. Teachers in the other second level sectors are generally required to teach for 22 hours per week for salary payment purposes.

The PCW agreement did not provide for a specific additional teaching allocation to be made to school authorities arising from the creation of assistant principal posts. However, in the case of voluntary secondary schools the agreement stated that, in regard to assistant principal posts, if needs be, schools may allocate time for the performance of duties from within existing resources. It also indicated that this situation will be reviewed one year after its implementation and difficulties will be addressed.

It is open to school authorities to submit an appeal to my Department for a concessionary allocation to cater for particular curricular needs. Each such application is considered on its merits withn the context of available resources.