Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

452 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties faced by many school authorities in recruiting substitute teachers for staff who are involved in in-service training and examination of the leaving certificate applied and the serious disruption to students which ensues; if he has given consideration to arranging these activities outside of normal school times and provide payment for the teachers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4936/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am aware that school authorities experience difficulties in the area of substitution arising from in-service and examination work.

Concerning in-service, problems arise at second level where there are no dedicated days available during which core training and development can be provided for teachers involved in curricular change, new and amended school programmes and other changes in schools. While every effort is made to keep the need for substitution to a minimum, there is no feasible alternative at present to providing such training and development during school time and in the majority of cases this necessitates substitution.

Various solutions to this problem are under consideration in my Department on an ongoing basis, including the option of providing in-service activities as part of core training and development outside of normal school times. My Department will continue to try to find ways to minimise disruption in consultation with the interested parties.