School Staffing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2005

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Questions (547)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

546 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a replacement teacher for a special needs class for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; if there is a system in place to ensure that special needs staff in schools are adequately replaced during absences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8729/05]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The employment of school staff is the responsibility of the individual school board of management. Substitute teachers may be employed by a board on a casual basis to replace a temporary or permanent teacher who is absent on approved paid leave. A board may recoup the cost of employing these substitute teachers from my Department.