Vol. 473 No. 5
119 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 who has gained qualifications and experience outside the country is being discriminated against and debarred from applying for posts of director at education centres throughout the country in view of the fact that she is not currently employed as a recognised teacher in a recognised primary or post-primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1856/97]
I do not consider that there is any unreasonable discrimination involved in this case. The large majority of posts in organisations have requirements in regard to qualifications and experience.
Education centres (formerly teachers' centres) are an important strategic resource for teachers and the wider school community. Since the establishment of the first centres in 1972 the appointment of directors to full-time and part-time centres has been on the basis of seconding teachers from existing teaching posts. The new posts recently advertised are being filled on similar basis.
Given the role and functions of education centres, particularly in the area of providing training and support in regard to the major curricular reforms and new programmes in schools, directors are required to have appropriate experience in the Irish education system and to have a good up-to-date knowledge of the education system at first and second levels. In this context, directors also have a role as trainers and designers of relevant inservice provision. Further, a key objective is to build up expertise which will continue to be available within the system when directors, who will be appointed on contract basis, return to their schools.
