Vol. 560 No. 1
345 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider rewarding the 90% of primary teachers that stay on in disadvantaged areas despite major obstacles like poverty; and if he will further consider increased allowances for teachers in such schools in 2003. [1037/03]
An Agreed Programme for Government sets out a commitment to implement changes to retention and support policies, which will assist schools in areas of significant disadvantage to recruit and retain teachers.
My Department is committed to providing support for teachers in all primary schools. Indeed, following negotiations with teacher representatives, there have been many improvements in the conditions of service of teachers in recent times. These include the introduction of release time for teaching principals, improvements in conditions for the appointment of administrative principals, the introduction of payments in respect of supervision duties and the provision of increased substitute cover for absences.
My Department is in ongoing discussion with the teachers' representatives concerning the conditions of service of primary teachers. The recruitment and retention of teaching staff is a difficulty for many boards of management at present due to the current shortage. The difficulty is not confined to disadvantaged schools alone. The action being taken to increase the teacher supply generally will ensure that the current difficulties with regard to teacher supply will be eliminated. The difficulties currently being experienced are added to by the number of teachers currently availing of the career break and job sharing schemes.
In the context of the commitment concerning retention and support policies referred to in the programme for Government, I have asked officials of my Department to examine how best this commitment can be implemented over the next five years and to consult with the partners in education in that regard.
I understand that a sub-group of the statutory committee on disadvantage is currently examining the issue of recruitment and retention of teachers within schools in disadvantaged areas. I will examine any recommendations, which this sub-committee may make on the issues.
