Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
478. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the situation of many secondary teachers who have spent several years teaching in casual and temporary positions without any prospect of job security or permanency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45355/14]
View answerThe Haddington Road Agreement provided for the establishment of an Expert Group to consider and report on the level of fixed-term and part-time employment in teaching, having regard to the importance for teachers of employment stability and security and taking account of system and school needs and Teaching Council registration requirements.
The independent chairperson of the Group (Peter Ward SC) presented his report to me on 17 September 2014, following extensive consultation with all stakeholders and interested parties.
The report recommends a suite of measures which will allow fixed-term teachers to acquire permanent positions more easily and quickly and enable part-time teachers to gain additional hours. The report also provides for extended redeployment arrangements in the event of mismatch between teacher qualifications and the curricular needs of schools, giving school management increased flexibility.
The report recommends that seven changes should take place from the commencement of the 2015 school year and I intend to proceed with the implementation of those recommendations with effect from that date. The changed arrangements will be notified to schools by the end of 2014. These reforms will represent a significant improvement in the job security and stability of employment for existing and future young teachers.
