Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

398 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that the 60 teachers on the existing panel of supply teachers is sufficient to cover the needs of schools who seem to have problems in locating a qualified substitute to cover for approved absences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/98]

Paul McGrath

Question:

439 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a shortage of qualified teachers for primary schools; that some schools have not received responses to advertisements for vacant posts; and the steps, if any, he has taken to relieve the shortage. [20500/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 439 together.

The supply scheme is one of a series of initiatives which is designed to provide a pool of trained substitute teachers to replace teachers absent on paid leave of various categories. The supply panel does not represent the only mechanism for the provision of trained substitute teachers. Since becoming Minister, I have implemented a broad range of measures to redress the difficulties which managerial authorities of primary schools have encountered in recent years in endeavouring to appoint qualified substitute teachers.

I have ensured that there are over 1,000 places available in the colleges of education during the current academic year. This includes 730 students who will pursue the three-year B. Ed. degree programme while 280 degree holders will be admitted to an 18 month full-time postgraduate course. In addition, B. Ed. graduates of St. Mary's College, Belfast, who have studied Irish to honours level as an academic subject as part of their teaching qualification will be recognised as fully trained.

I am also examining the possibility of the University of Limerick providing a one-year conversion course for degree holders, who hold the Higher Diploma in Education and who have either Irish as part of their degree or have Irish to grade C at the leaving certificate or its equivalent.

I have also decided that, from 1 September 1998, all primary degree holders who also hold the Higher Diploma in Education will be recognised as fully trained for the purposes of providing substitution service, provided that they have

Irish to grade C at higher level leaving certificate standard or its equivalent.

Finally, Montessori trained teachers who have successfully completed the course of three years duration at St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, and which is recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards, will, from 1 September 1998, be granted recognition as fully trained substitutes provided that they have Irish to grade C at higher level leaving certificate or its equivalent.