Dick Spring
Ceist:38 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her views on the increasing age profile of national teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Age Profile of National Teachers.
The age profile of teachers in national schools is quite low. Thirty seven per cent of national teachers are under 35 years of age while only 10 per cent are over 55 years. There is, I feel, a number of factors that will help to maintain a low age profile. These include the career break scheme where younger teachers obtain employment as replacements for teachers on career breaks.
There are 1,400 teachers on career breaks in the current school year. The fact that replacements appointed for teachers on career breaks are usually recently qualified helps to reduce the overall age profile.
Another factor is the provision of the national teachers superannuation scheme which allows teachers to retire before reaching 65 years of age.