Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Ivor Callely

Question:

97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties schools experience in recruiting qualified teachers; the number of schools that are currently operating with teacher shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Primary teachers are appointed by boards of management of the individual schools and, accordingly, I do not have information on the number of schools experiencing difficulties. I am aware that a number of primary schools are experiencing some difficulties. A range of measures have been introduced by this Government to boost substantially the supply of trained primary teachers and alleviate the difficulties.

Between the 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, as compared with 1995 when 291 graduated. I increased the total intake to the colleges of education for primary teaching in the 1999-2000 academic year to 1,283. This compares with an intake of 500 in 1996-7.

There are approximately 1,000 students again enrolled in the first year of the undergraduate training course in the 2000-01 academic year. A further postgraduate course will commence early in 2001 with a proposed intake of 280 students, bringing the total to 1,280. I have decided 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.

Other initiatives to reduce the number of untrained personnel have also been introduced. B.Ed. graduates of St. Mary's College, Belfast, who have studied Irish to honours level as an academic subject as part of their teaching qualification are now recognised as fully qualified.

Since September 1998, primary degree holders who hold the higher diploma in education are paid as fully trained substitute teachers. In the current academic year persons employed in a temporary capacity holding a degree and the higher diploma in education are paid on the trained basic scale for teachers.

Teachers trained in EU countries employed in primary schools are now remunerated at the trained rate pending their obtaining the necessary competence in the Irish language. EU trained teachers previously had to acquire the necessary competence in the Irish language within three years of their first appointment to a primary school. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these teachers now have up to five years to obtain the necessary competence in the language. In addition, for the period of two years from 1 September 2000, teachers trained outside the EU whose qualifications are accepted by my Department, will be granted provisional recognition for five years on the same basis as EU trained teachers.

Montessori trained teachers who successfully completed the course of three years duration at St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, which is recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards, are also recognised as being fully qualified substitute teachers. The 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 is also contributing to an improvement in the supply of trained primary teachers.

I am aware from a survey undertaken earlier this year by the ASTI that some second level principals have experienced difficulties in recruiting qualified teachers. However, the position at second level is complicated by regional and subject variations. A further factor is that vacant positions often require teachers with specific subject combinations. Since August 2000 we have appointed 1,000 second level teachers and the number of applicants was over 2000.

My Department and the Higher Education Authority have been closely monitoring the situation at second level. Following a survey of principals and graduates completed in 1997, the number of places for the Higher Diploma in Education has increased by 25%. A review of the supply and demand position of second level teachers will continue on an ongoing basis.