Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 159 No. 3

Adjournment Matters. - School Staffing.

Mr. Caffrey

Since 1993 a pilot scheme of supply panels of substitute teachers has been operating in three areas – Ballymun, Limerick and north Mayo. In north Mayo the scheme is based in Ballina and is operated by the Convent of Mercy. It provides cover for temporary and permanent teachers absent from school duties on certified sick leave for a period of up to three weeks.

Supply teachers who are not required for substitute duties are allocated alternative professional duties in schools within the panel area on a rota basis, such as for releasing teaching principals to carry out administrative duties, including curriculum and school planning, and releasing class teachers to meet parents and engage in remedial work.

Since the establishment of the panel it has become increasingly difficult for Corballa national school to obtain the services of trained substitute teachers. This is a direct result of the school being situated in close proximity to the panel area. Corballa school is located in County Sligo but is only three miles from the Mayo county border. Consequently, many of the pupils of the school come from County Mayo. They are seriously disadvantaged as a result of the supply panel being located in Ballina and the fact that the school is excluded from it.

For 55 days last year the school could not secure a substitute or trained teacher. This situation is seriously damaging for the school and its pupils. Both parents and the board of management are extremely anxious that it be rectified given that Corballa national school is within the catchment area of the supply panel. The panel has operated successfully in the north Mayo region for six years and I urge the Minister to ensure that Corballa national school, which is just three miles from the County Mayo border, be included in the supply scheme.

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Mr. O'Dea)

As the Senator may be aware, a limited number of supply panels were established on a pilot basis in 1993 to provide substitute cover for permanent and temporary teachers who are absent on short-term certified sick leave. One of these pilot schemes was located in Croí Íosa national school, Ballina, to serve schools in the Ballina area. In the 1997-98 school year, the scheme was placed on a permanent footing and was extended by the provision of a further 30 teachers.

The scheme has been closely monitored and some adjustments have been implemented in order to redress difficulties which emerged during the pilot phase. For example, because areas were too large in some of the pilot schemes, the supply teachers had long distances to travel and were consequently arriving in school quite late. Accordingly, it was decided to reduce the number of schools in some locations to ensure a more efficient management of the scheme.

In some cases it was deemed appropriate to reduce the number of teachers in particular areas being served by the scheme. However, any such reduction was accompaned by an increase in the number of teachers in other locations. The overall working of the scheme will continue to be monitored to ensure that its benefits can be maximised.

In the context of any further adjustments to the scheme, I can assure the Senator that the possibility of including Corballa national school in the supply scheme will be carefully considered. I wish to emphasis, however, that Corballa national school is entitled to engage substitute teachers as necessary under the normal conditions.

The Seanad adjourned at 8.20 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 29 April 1999.