Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - School Staffing.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

38 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching days at primary level undertaken by untrained teachers in the first six months of 1998 and the comparative figure for the same period in 1997; his views on the fact that so many children are being taught by those without the required qualification; the steps, if any, being taken to reduce the use of personnel without teaching qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25789/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

In the first six months of 1997, the total number of teaching days given by untrained personnel amounted to 74,145. The corresponding figure for the first six months of the current year was 79,834. A significant factor in the current difficulties in the supply of trained teachers is the fact that there has been a significant increase in the level of retirements among teachers.

The Deputy will recall that, when I was in Opposition, I was gravely concerned at the large number of untrained personnel working within the primary school system. Accordingly, as soon as I came into office, I immediately set about addressing this issue. First, 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 and 280 degree holders will be admitted to an 18 month full-time postgraduate course. It is expected that the intake of students to the colleges of education, on the B.Ed. degree course and the 18-month postgraduate course, will continue at the 1998 levels in each of the years 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Second, following consultations with the authorities of St. Mary's College in Belfast, I have recognised as fully trained B.Ed. graduates of that college who have studied Irish to honours level as an academic subject as part of their teaching qualification.

Third, I am currently examining the possibility of the University of Limerick providing 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.

Fourth, I have further 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.

Fifth, my recent decision to recognise fully qualified teachers who trained outside the State to teach in certain categories of schools and classes without the necessity to hold an Irish language qualification will also contribute to an improvement in the supply of trained primary teachers.

Finally, Montessori-trained teachers who successfully complete 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. This recognition also applies to teachers trained by the Association Montessori Internationale.

The Deputy will, I am sure, acknowledge that these are substantial measures which will significantly assist the supply of trained primary teachers.