Ivor Callely
Ceist:71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the progress and success, if any, of the job sharing scheme for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Job Sharing.
My Department introduced a pilot job-sharing scheme for teachers in post-primary schools in the current school year. One hundred and seven teachers are participating in the scheme. As this is the first year of its operation, I am pleased with the initial response. I am confident that the scheme will prove very successful in the future.
The scheme provides for a review of its operation by the Department at regular intervals in consultation with the management authorities and staff interests. It is envisaged that the first formal review will take place shortly.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 462 on 6 October, 1993, there are two national school teachers currently employed in a job-sharing capacity. This job-sharing arrangement was agreed on a pilot basis, and is being run in a special school in Dublin.
I would be prepared to consider any proposal made in respect of other job-sharing arrangements at primary level, in consultation with the managerial authorities and the teachers' union.