Monica Barnes
Ceist:88 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science the proportion of payroll costs for primary and secondary teachers that covers in-service training; and whether he has set a target to increase this. [21709/97]
Written Answers. - Teacher Training Programmes.
In the present year, following an additional allocation which I have provided by way of a Supplementary Estimate, the provision for in-service training is equivalent to approximately 0.7 per cent of the total payroll for first and second-level teachers. This compares to 0.6 per cent in 1996.
In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, I have recently announced a major investment in information and communications technology —schools IT 2000. This will inlcude a very substantial training and support element, additional to the present in-service initiatives. This will bring the total in-service provision in 1998 to approximately 0.8 per cent of payroll.
It is important to highlight that a very extensive programme of in-service training is supported by my Department across a wide range of subjects and activities involving large numbers of first and second level teachers every year. In 1996, the last full year for which data are available, a total of over 190,000 participant training days were provided at first and second levels.
The introduction of all new or revised curricula and programmes is accompanied by appropriate in-service training. In addition, specialised programmes are provided in a number of areas, including, for example, school management, special education and relationships and sexuality education. An extensive programme of summer courses is also supported. Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that I will be doing everything possible to secure additional funding, as necessary, for in-service training, to ensure that all curricular reform and appropriate professional development programmes for teachers are adequately resourced.