asked the Minister for Education why he suspended the all-Irish test for teachers outside the State who wish to return home to Ireland to take positions with the national school system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Irish Test.
53.
Mr. R. Burke
The recruitment of teachers trained outside the State to fill posts in national schools have been suspended as part of the measures necessary to ensure that employment will be available for the 1,100 graduates on 30th June, 1975, from the training colleges. The position will be reviewed in 1976 as the first graduates from the three year course of training which commenced in 1974 will not be available until 1977.
Does the Minister intend to reintroduce the procedure that existed before this major employment problem arose? Does he intend to go back to the system that existed before he made the latest regulation?
Mr. R. Burke
That would depend on the necessity for the employment of such teachers. It would have to be examined at that time. I imagine it may be necessary to do so, but I should not like to commit myself in advance.
What is the position of English trained teachers who started at the beginning of the 1974-75 academic year in primary schools?
Mr. R. Burke
There is no intention to interfere with their position.