Vol. 527 No. 2
149 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will have examinations made into the allegations by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare that he has been overlooked for several teaching posts in subjects for which he is qualified, despite being on a panel for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28093/00]
The appointment of vocational education committee – VEC – teachers is a matter for the relevant VEC, subject to agreed procedures and requirements. Eligible part-time – EPT – teachers are engaged by vocational education committees in accordance with a scheme which has been agreed by the Irish Vocational Education Association and the Teachers' Union of Ireland, following a Labour Court recommend ation. The scheme provides that EPTs may be re-employed on a contract basis from year to year where the same teaching hours are required. The information available to my Department would indicate that the teaching hours formerly provided by the teacher in question under an EPT contract are not available. Under the terms of the scheme, a panel for former EPTs is drawn up and every effort is made by vocational education committees to ensure continuity of employment.
A review of selection and appointment procedures for VEC teachers has recently been carried out by the Irish Vocational Education Association, The Teachers' Union of Ireland and my Department and revised arrangements in regard to EPT contracts have been agreed by the relevant interests. A circular has recently issued to vocational education committees in this matter.
