There are schemes in existence for the redeployment of permanent teachers at both the primary and post-primary levels.
The redeployment panels in the primary sector are operated on a diocesan basis by the diocesan authorities in accordance with the terms of the Rules for National Schools. At post-primary level the redeployment scheme is confined to Catholic secondary schools and an independent administrator is appointed to administer the scheme.
Fillable vacancies in these sectors must be filled in accordance with the terms of the appropriate scheme.
Teachers in the vocational sector may be transferred to another vocational school within the same vocational education committee area.
Any proposals for changing or extending the existing redeployment schemes would have to be discussed and agreed with the appropriate management authorities and teacher unions.
I have no plans at present to establish a separate Gaeltacht region for the purposes of redeployment of teachers. In any event, I do not consider it necessary to set up a special section within my Department to deal with redeployment within a specific region.