Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 July 2018
189. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address issues experienced by schools in securing cover for teacher absences; and if teacher supply panels will be put in place to address these issues. [29207/18]
View answerIn the last two years we have hired 5,000 additional new teachers. It is the case that many teachers who would have been available to carry out substitution work are now gaining permanent and long-term contracts.
I am aware of reports that some schools are experiencing difficulties in finding substitute teachers. In order to ease the situation, in the last school year I suspended the limits that teachers on career break can work as substitutes. Schools were also reminded that, in considering career break applications, the needs of pupils should take precedence and they must take account of the availability of appropriate qualified replacement teachers.
As the Deputy is aware, I recently established the Teacher Supply Steering Group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. The Group is considering the issues that impact on teacher supply, including: initial teacher education policy, provision, funding and support; data/research requirements; policies and arrangements for schools and teachers that impact on teacher mobility/supply; and promotion of the teaching profession. The Steering Group will oversee a programme of actions according to strict timelines and clear deliverables. In undertaking its task, the Group is cognisant of the requirement that all persons wishing to teach in recognised schools must meet the professional registration standards and criteria set by the Teaching Council, which is the professional regulatory body for the teaching profession.
At this point the Steering Group, and the working groups reporting to it, have met on a number of occasions. The Group met again on 29 June and I hope to be in a position to announce further measures in this area over coming months.
A value for money review of the Supply Teacher Scheme was published in July 2006. Following that review, it was considered more cost effective to use the normal substitution arrangements that apply to all other schools to cover sick leave absences rather than retaining the supply panel as then constituted.
