Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teacher Dismissals.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

331 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department provides, in the case of a dismissal of a teacher or other action taken against a teacher by a secondary voluntary school, a procedure before action is taken, or an adjudication or appeal mechanism; if an inspector from his Department assesses whether alleged deficiencies in teaching are properly founded where these issues are in dispute; and if he will outline any other arena for resolution other than the redress available under ordinary labour law. [3270/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Teachers in the voluntary secondary sector are employed by the management of each individual school. It follows therefore that the termination of a contract of employment is a matter for the management authority concerned.

There is a general agreement between the management authorities of voluntary secondary schools and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland which sets out a strict procedure to be followed in relation to dismissal.

This agreement also provides for appeal to an appeal authority and of course a secondary school teacher has right of access to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. My Department has no direct role in matters of dismissal of secondary teachers.

I would also like to inform the Deputy that, in November last, I established a steering committee and a technical working group to advise and make recommendations on the establishment of a teaching council. The teaching council will have a function in administering disciplinary and deregistration procedures, including the conduct of inquiries, following agreed procedures at school and regional level.

I expect the steering committee and technical working group to report to me before Easter, after which drafting of a teaching council Bill will commence.