Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

238 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the criteria for temporary teachers going on to the panel which currently discriminates against teachers who have had a series of appointments lasting less than one year; and the reason this discriminatory rule is in place. [12295/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the supplementary panel for temporary teachers which is provided for in the redeployment scheme for lay teachers in Catholic secondary schools.

The scheme is the result of an agreement between the religious-clerical authorities of the Catholic secondary schools and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland. An independent administrator is appointed by the parties to administer the scheme.

In order to be eligible for admission to the supplementary panel, a temporary teacher must have taught for a minimum of 18 hours per week for two years or more in the same school or for three years or more in separate schools participating in the scheme.

Changes to the terms of the scheme, including those relating to the supplementary panel, are a matter in the first instance for the parties to the scheme.

The current arrangements for the operation of the supplementary panel for temporary teachers in primary schools provide that they may be granted panel rights when they have completed three years continuous service. The service may be given in different schools.

The scheme was agreed following discussions between the managerial authorities of primary schools, the INTO and my Department. Any proposals to alter the current scheme would have to be considered by the parties and be approved by my colleague the Minister for Finance.