Brian O'Shea
Ceist:762 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new categories of qualified substitute teachers at primary level will be paid the new salary rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21913/98]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
I assume the Deputy is referring to my recent decision whereby from 1 September 1998 all primary degree holders who also hold the Higher Diploma in Education will be recognised as fully trained for the purposes of providing substitution service provided they have Irish to Grade C at higher level leaving certificate standard or its equivalent.
The Deputy will be aware that this decision also applies to Montessori trained teachers who successfully completed the course of three years duration at St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, and which is recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards, provided they have attained at least Grade C at Higher Level Irish in the leaving certificate or its equivalent.
A circular outlining the details of this new initiative is being finalised and will be distributed to all schools in the near future. Thereafter, the necessary arrangements will be made to pay the trained substitute teacher salary rates to all persons to whom the provisions of the circular will apply.