Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

367 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of teachers at second level who are employed in eligible part-time posts and in temporary wholetime posts and those in any other category who do not have permanent status; the proportion this represents of the total teaching force; and if this phenomenon has grown in the past four years. [9250/00]

Richard Bruton

Question:

384 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of teachers at second level who are employed on eligible part-time posts, on temporary wholetime posts and those in any other category who do not have permanent status; if he will indicate the proportion this represents of the total teaching force; and indicate if this phenomenon has grown in the past four years. [8940/00]

Minister for Education and Science

(Dr. Woods): I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 384 together.

Non-permanent teaching appointments in second level schools arise generally as a result of: the replacement of the holders of permanent teaching posts who are on leave of absence; the requirement that the number of permanent teachers employed by individual Vocational Education Committees and community-comprehensive schools may not exceed 95% of their initial teacher allocation; and the allocation of additional temporary teaching resources to the authorities of individual schools to cater for particular circumstances in those schools.

In accordance with the provisions of the 1997 PCW agreement on teachers' pay and conditions, my Department agreed to an increase in the number of permanent appointments which can be made in VEC and community-comprehensive schools thereby reducing the number of non-permanent teachers employed in those schools.

The details requested by the Deputy are being compiled and will be supplied to him when available.