Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:89 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the adequacy of the current inspection service at primary and post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12319/01]
Written Answers - School Inspection Service.
In addition to its senior management group, the inspectorate of my Department comprises 70 serving primary school inspectors and 66 serving post-primary inspectors, a total of 136 serving inspectors. Within the past year 24 inspectors were recruited and a further eight inspectors will take up duty by 1 September 2001.
As with all other divisions within my Department, staffing levels are kept under continual review. I am satisfied that staffing levels within the inspectorate will continue to meet the requirements of the functions ascribed to it under the Education Act.