Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2005
439 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which a person becomes a primary school teacher and a secondary school teacher in a permanent or temporary capacity; the qualifications required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36498/05]
View answerA person is considered to be a qualified primary teacher if she-he has successfully completed a teacher education course for primary teachers in a recognised college of education in the State; has otherwise successfully completed, in the State, a course recognised for the purposes of employment as a primary teacher or, if trained outside the State, has fulfilled all the requisite qualification and Irish language requirements. To be eligible for appointment to a teaching position in a vocational school, an applicant must hold a suitable qualification at degree level or equivalent in the subject or subjects of the post as advertised. In order to be appointed to a permanent teaching post in a voluntary secondary, community or comprehensive school, a person must hold an acceptable primary degree or equivalent together with an acceptable training-in-teaching qualification — the higher diploma in education or its equivalent. The decision as to whether a post should be filled in a permanent or temporary capacity is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of the school concerned subject to the approved level of permanent posts not being exceeded.
The Deputy should be aware that vacancies in schools arising from career breaks, approved leave of absence, 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. All vacancies in primary and second level schools must be filled in accordance with agreed procedures, including compliance with the provisions of agreed redeployment schemes where appropriate.
The current procedures in relation to the filling of posts in the second level sector are under review in the light of the implementation of recent legislation relating to the protection of employees. Facilitated discussions are taking place between the teacher unions, management bodies, the Department of Finance and the Department of Education and Science with a view to agreeing appropriate procedures.
