Although the report of the OECD examiners will not formally be published until next month, I am aware of the references in question. For the information of the Deputy I have listed a table giving the age profile of teachers. Without going into detail on the table, it discloses quite remarkable facts which need to be highlighted. I am glad to have the opportunity to do so. The age profile is not what is popularly perceived. It depends, of course, on how you view age. Age is different depending on your viewpoint.
The Programme for Economic and Social Progress provides for the creation of substantial numbers of new teaching posts at both primary and post-primary levels.
The reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools to 25:1 by September 1992 will entail retaining 700 posts which will become available to in-coming teachers, in addition to the creation of 250 new posts this year and approximately the same next year.
The reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio to 19:1 at second level involves the creation of 500 new posts. A further 60 additional posts will be created for disadvantaged schools this year as they were last year. Additional posts arise also from the commitments to provide ex-quota posts as vice-principals and guidance teachers. In addition, pupils entering second level schools this year will have the option of a transition year.
I am satisfied that these measures will provide ample opportunity for the entry of new teachers into the profession.
The OECD report will be launched formally in June. It is interesting that the Deputy should draw our attention to a sentence in the OECD report because the sentence immediately prior to that quoted by the Deputy states that in the long term it would be beneficial to lower the pupil-teacher ratio strictly on pedagogical as well as on equitable grounds, to institute a six year secondary cycle for all students, to lengthen the school year and to appoint more specialised teachers, to strengthen school management structures and to put in place a comprehensive system of induction and in-service training. We are doing everything that is suggested in the report except that I have no intention of lengthening the school year. Another important sentence in the report states that in the immediate term it is urgent to provide more help to disadvantaged students. The school system could only benefit from this.
Following is the statement:
Age Profile of Teachers
Age Range
|
Under 25
|
25-29
|
30-34
|
35-39
|
40-44
|
45-49
|
50-54
|
55-59
|
Over 60
|
Primary
|
1,005
|
3,042
|
3,310
|
3,715
|
2,706
|
2,216
|
2,168
|
1,545
|
661
|
Secondary
|
382
|
1,344
|
2,173
|
2,407
|
2,040
|
1,367
|
959
|
585
|
376
|
Comm/Comp.
|
38
|
295
|
483
|
531
|
387
|
270
|
163
|
97
|
30
|