Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any concerns regarding the oversupply of teachers; the steps he has taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43058/12]
View answer105. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will instruct his Department to survey primary and post-primary schools to identify the vacancies they had trouble filling in recent months; and his views on the opinion that in a number of subject teaching areas insufficient applicants existed to have a robust selection process. [43101/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 105 together.
It is in the public interest that there be an adequate supply of qualified teachers and that supply matches the particular specialisms required. However, even with the best possible systems in place, securing equilibrium between demand and supply is not an exact science, and is subject to quite a number of variables. Recent developments, such as the EU rules on mutual recognition of qualifications, have also meant that supply is more difficult to control and predict.
The level of student intake to the state-funded primary Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for, primary teachers. The level of intake has decreased in recent years in light of available resources and factors impacting on demand. This situation is subject to review.
As education at post-primary level is on the basis of subjects, the situation is complex and therefore difficult to predict and plan for. Post-primary teachers are generally qualified to teach more than one subject but may not be deployed to teach these in equal measures at school level. School management authorities have the flexibility to deploy teachers to meet demands. Schools are also responsible for deciding what subjects and programmes to offer and this can vary from school to school in accordance with local need. This in turn, determines the type of teacher competencies/specialisms required. While the numbers of PDE (formerly the H.Dip) places have remained fairly constant over recent years, there can be particular subjects which, over time, become more or less in demand and this can lead to a surplus or deficit of teachers of that discipline. I understand that in the present climate, there are newly qualified teachers not yet holding teaching positions in schools. The selection processes required of schools, and the imminent commencement of Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act depend on there being a supply of suitable individuals within the marketplace.
Measures have been taken to alleviate difficulties for new teachers. My Department has introduced regulations which oblige schools to recruit unemployed teachers ahead of retired ones. In addition, the JobBridge National Internship Scheme has been extended to teachers.
I have no immediate plans to request a survey of the type the Deputy suggests. However, I intend to explore the matter of teacher supply further with the HEA, the Teaching Council, and the initial teacher education providers, as appropriate.
