Charlie McConalogue
Question:83. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he and his Department will conduct an audit of teaching resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29396/14]
View answerTuesday, 8 July 2014
Questions (83)
Written answers
The Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework. Unlike most other areas of the public service teaching vacancies are being filled in accordance with published Department criteria. The main priority for the foreseeable future is targeting resources to cater for the continuing increase in demographics at all levels in the education system. I have already asked the Teaching Council, the professional standards body for teachers, for advice on the matter of teacher supply and demand. The Council is currently working to provide that advice with the overall goal of ensuring that there is timely information to inform the system generally and for planning in my Department. The Teaching Council has approved a roadmap and will establish a Technical Working Group to pilot a draft model of teacher supply. The Teaching Council also intends to establish a Consultative Forum for stakeholders which will offer advice and feedback on proposals developed by the Technical Working Group. I expect to receive an initial report from the Teaching Council later in the year.