Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2015
246. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the selection process for teacher qualifications at second level includes steps to ensure an adequate supply of teachers of core subjects on the curriculum. [43294/15]
View answer247. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the shortage of qualified Irish language teachers at second level; and how the situation is being addressed. [43295/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 246 together.
Other than in very limited circumstances, all teachers working in publicly funded schools must be registered with the Teaching Council. In order to be registered, they must meet minimum standards for qualifications which have been established by the Council. Once registered, the recruitment and deployment of teachers is a matter for school management guided by relevant circulars issued by my Department.
I have asked the Teaching Council to advise on the matter of teacher supply. A Technical Working Group was established under the auspices of the Teaching Council to develop a teacher supply model. The Group is also formulating advice for consideration by the Teaching Council on the matter of teacher supply.
I expect to receive the Group's report by the end of this year. I will then consider the report and the Teaching Council's advice and use these to inform future decisions on teacher supply.
