Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
767. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) can be allowed pay a substitute teacher where a fixed-term position is available but unfilled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39205/23]
View answer768. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if the prohibition on paying a substitute teacher where no fixed term or permanent teacher can be found can be lifted for a year in view of the shortage of teachers as in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39206/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 767 and 768 together.
Substitutes on supply panels may be used to replace existing teachers who take periods of leave such as sick leave among others, but cannot be used to fill vacant posts. Teachers who do casual subbing and are not on supply panels can fill vacant posts where a school cannot secure a teacher on a longer-term basis. The school needs to continue to seek to recruit a teacher on a longer-term contract.
Fixed term replacement teacher posts must be filled according to the current rules for teacher recruitment. These include that the recruited teacher shall be offered a fixed term contract.
There is a requirement that a person employed in a teaching position is registered with the Teaching Council in order to be paid by the public purse. This is provided for under legislation and therefore it is not possible for the State to pay a person whose Teaching Council Registration is pending.
There is an exception to this rule which permits an unregistered person to be employed for up to 5 days in place of a teacher.
