Vol. 518 No. 4
22 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that promotion systems for teachers conform with equality principles; if he has further satisfied himself that the appointment period for school principals provides sufficient promotion opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11860/00]
There are 24,000 promotion posts, including principal posts, in our primary and second level schools. This number of promotion posts provides significant promotion opportunities for teachers.
The filling of promotion posts in schools is primarily a matter for the management authority of each school, in accordance with appointment procedures agreed between the managerial authorities, teacher unions and my Department.
Concerns have been raised that certain elements of those procedures that relate to seniority for promotion purposes may be indirectly discriminatory on gender grounds under the terms of the Employment Equality Act, 1998. Arising from those concerns I understand that management authorities have not proceeded with the filling of certain promotion posts.
My Department has sought legal advice from the Attorney General's office in relation to these concerns and is in discussion with that office on the complex issues involved. While the Employment Equality Act is largely untested law, my objective is to ensure that, as far as practicable, there is in place a system of promotion which conforms with the spirit and letter of the Act. It is further my intention that immediate discussions will take place with the managerial bodies and teacher unions when the advice of the Attorney General's office is available, in order to reach agreement on any changes that may be required in procedures.
Does the Minister believe that the system of appointment to posts of responsibility should rely, almost exclusively, on seniority?
As I said in my reply, it is a matter for the local boards. Seniority has been a principal component of the systems that have been agreed with the unions over the years.
I asked the Minister for his view, not what he understands the views of others to be.
The Deputy should let me finish.
The Minister does not answer the question.
I know the Deputy is getting excited because the teachers' conferences are on next week. However, he should take it easy – we will get through them.
If the Attorney General's office considers it is in a position to advise us on the issues involved, then it is expected that advice will be available by mid-May. The main problems in relation to this are very complex. Seniority and experience are obviously major elements in promotion. However, age and seniority are two of the factors that are under discussion.
It was not the intention that there would be any discrimination. Quite a few part-time teachers are not getting credit for their part-time service in terms of promotion. That is one of the issues being examined by the Attorney General. We will await the advice of the Attorney General, which will be available fairly shortly. We hope to have the matter resolved on that basis.
Does the Minister have views of his own on any educational matter? I asked him a simple question which he did not answer. Does he believe promotion should be predominantly reliant on seniority? Does he believe, as the original question asked, that giving posts for life to principals is in conformity with creating a good career advancement process in teaching? Does he believe that graduates, often with HDips, should not be permitted to teach and get recognition at primary level? Does he believe that is equality? Does he believe that those who do not have qualifications but have 20 years teaching experience should have access to a course which would give them recognition on grounds of equality? Does he have any views on the development of a fair and adequate staffing structure that will create good promotional opportunities for teachers? I would like to hear the Minister's views, not what comments he understands the Attorney General might make on some legal loophole.
The question tabled by the Deputy asked the Minister for Education and Science "if he has satisfied himself that promotion systems for teachers conform with equality principles".
We have not heard any view on that from the Minister.
That is the question I answered. I know the Deputy is very worked up at the moment. We will just have to put up with that for today. I do not know what has got into him, given the way he is approaching things. I think the Deputy missed what I said at the beginning. There are 24,000—
If the Minister answered a question he might satisfy me. That is what he is here for – not to call the Opposition ignorant.
It was only the Deputy's behaviour that was ignorant, not himself. I understand that. I said at the outset, which the Deputy must have missed, that there are 24,000 promotional posts, 4,300 principal posts, 2,900 deputy principal posts—
I lament for the Minister's Department.
—5,300 assistant principal posts and 12,000 special duty posts. There are also different systems in operation in the different kinds of schools, ranging from community to comprehensive schools.
The time for this question has concluded.
Issues have been raised on the question of seniority. It is not the only factor that is taken into consideration.
If they are looking for leadership from the Minister they will not get it.
