Brian O'Shea
Ceist:70 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the adequacy of the inspectorate service at primary and secondary levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6959/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Inspectorate.
There are 75 serving primary school inspectors and 66 serving post primary inspectors at this time, making a total of 141 serving members of the inspectorate. Eighteen inspectors were recruited within the past year and a further 13 inspectors will be recruited by 1 September 2001. As with all other divisions within my Department, staffing levels are kept under continual review.
The statutory functions of my Department's inspectorate are set out in section 13(3) of the Education Act, 1998. Staffing levels within the Inspectorate will continue to meet the requirements of the functions ascribed to it under the Education Act.