Richard Bruton
Ceist:405 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if full grant recognition for primary teaching will be granted to a person (details supplied) who has a BA and a H.Dip. [22599/99]
Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.
There is no question of granting full recognition to holders of a BA and a higher diploma in education for primary teaching purposes.
However I presume the Deputy is referring to my decision to pay persons at the trained rate of pay who are working in a temporary capacity in primary schools; possess a primary degree and a higher diploma in education; and have obtained a grade C or higher in the higher level leaving certificate.
The arrangements outlined above have been put in place for this school year as a short-term measure to overcome the difficulties caused by the shortage of fully qualified primary school teachers. While it is accepted that they are not qualified primary school teachers, in my view it is the best option in resolving the current difficulties in the short term.
In addition to the measure outlined above, last year I put in place arrangements for primary degree holders with a higher diploma in education to be paid at the trained rate of pay in respect of any substitute work which such persons undertook. It is not a requirement for persons with such qualifications who are engaging in substitute work to possess a grade C in Irish as substitute work is normally of a much shorter duration than temporary work.
In the case of the person referred to by the Deputy I can confirm that this person was paid at the trained rate in respect of substitute work which she undertook last year. This will continue to be the case should she undertake any further substitute work in this school year. However she will not be remunerated at the trained rate should she take up a temporary appointment, as it is necessary for persons in temporary posts to possess a reasonable degree of fluency in the Irish language.