Vol. 523 No. 5
312 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself regarding the future supply of both male and female teacher staff for primary and second level schools; the plans he has to increase the supply in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21734/00]
This Government has substantially boosted the supply of trained primary teachers since taking office.
The total intake to the colleges of education for primary teaching in the 1999-2000 academic year was 1,283. This compares with an intake of 500 in 1996-97. There are approximately 1,000 students again enrolled in the first year of the undergraduate training course in the 2000-01 academic year. Subject to agreement with the colleges of education it is planned to have a further post-graduate course, with a proposed intake of 280 students, to commence early in 2001.
It is projected that the intake to the undergraduate training course for primary teachers will continue at the current level of 1,000 for the 2001-02 academic year.
Between 2000 and 2001 academic years it is projected that approximately 1,900 qualified primary teachers will graduate from the colleges of education. This represents a huge increase in the number of trained graduates compared with 1995 when 291 graduated.
There are a number of factors which affect the demand for primary teachers. These include the number of teachers opting to take career breaks, the number of secondments approved and the age at which teachers opt to retire on a voluntary basis. The creation of additional posts in a particular school year and the retention of posts arising through the allocation of the demographic dividend also affect the demand for teachers.
My Department reviews the enrolment projections for schools and the factors affecting the demand for teaching posts on a regular basis and endeavours to ensure that the supply of teachers available meets the demand.
