Vol. 571 No. 3
45 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he is taking to devise a more effective method for the reallocation of second level teachers where schools have surplus teachers as a result of falling pupil numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21536/03]
I am satisfied that current arrangements for the redeployment of over-quota teachers in the second level system are unsatisfactory and in need of fundamental review. I have asked my Department to develop proposals for a more effective system which will ensure that all available teaching resources within the second level system are deployed to best effect.
A scheme for the redeployment of over-quota teachers in Catholic secondary schools has been in place since 1988-89. This scheme was agreed between the religious authorities of the schools and the ASTI. The object of the scheme was to secure the redeployment of over-quota teachers within the Catholic secondary school sector by matching identified surplus teachers to needs elsewhere in the sector for teachers in the same subject areas.
The reality is that very few of the over-quota posts emerging in this sector have proved amenable to redeployment. A significant impediment under the current scheme has been the requirement that the most junior teacher in the school be redeployed. In many instances the subject area of the most junior teacher does not match the subject area of potential recipient schools.
Currently, there is no scheme in place for redeployment of over-quota teachers in the community and comprehensive school sector. In the case of the VEC sector, teacher allocations are made to the individual VEC schemes rather than individual schools within the schemes, and each scheme can deploy its teachers in line with its evolving needs.
