Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - School Staffing.

Ulick Burke

Question:

458 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to convert all the teaching jobs which are currently with part-time or EPT to full-time permanent secure jobs; and if he will provide the vocational education committees involved with funds to make these teaching posts at the educational unit in Castlerea Prison permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13739/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The vast majority of teaching posts at second level are filled on a permanent whole-time basis. Vacancies in schools arising from career breaks, approved leave of absence or secondments and concessionary posts, which are allocated in excess of a school's normal quota of posts, may only be filled in a temporary or part-time capacity. In addition, in order to ensure that schools have the flexibility to meet the curricular needs of their students, particularly in minority subject areas, it is necessary for them to appoint temporary or part-time teachers.

Under the terms of the eligible part-time teacher scheme, EPTs who are fully qualified and have given satisfactory service are re-employed on a contract basis from year to year where the same teaching hours are required. Most teachers who are initially employed as EPTs subsequently apply for and are appointed to permanent teaching posts in their subject areas. They are entitled to incremental and pension credit for their qualified EPT service, together with recognition of this service for promotion purposes.

A number of measures have been taken in recent years to address the job security of temporary teachers. The PCW agreement on the pay and conditions of teachers provided for the conversion of posts from temporary to permanent status and for an increase in the number of allocated posts which school authorities may fill on a permanent basis. The agreement also provided for the establishment of a qualifications committee to determine suitable qualifications for appointments to permanent teaching posts in vocational preparation and training courses. This committee has recently agreed qualifications and experience requirements in the areas of beauty therapy, hairdressing, veterinary studies and arts administration. This will enable teachers with these qualifications to be appointed in a fully qualified capacity and apply for suitable permanent posts. The work of this committee is continuing.

The Irish language requirement has been removed for the generality of teaching posts at second level. This has enabled teachers, who were previously regarded as ineligible, to apply for temporary or permanent teaching posts. A review of the EPT scheme for VEC teachers has recently been carried out and improved arrangements in regard to EPT contracts have been agreed. vocational education committees now have the option of allocating EPT hours over more than one school and EPTs, whose hours fall below the threshold, 11 hours per week, required for a contract, will be offered any residual hours which may be available.

The job security of temporary teachers depends on the number and type of posts available. In this regard, the position at second level has significantly improved in recent years. In 1999, 225 additional posts were created. In the current school year 1,000 additional posts were created and a further 400 new posts will be created over the next two years in accordance with the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. My Department recently authorised County Roscommon VEC to fill two teaching posts in Castlerea Prison on a permanent whole-time basis.