Michael Creed
Ceist:407 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to resolve the problem of recognition for long serving temporary and substitute teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/02]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
The majority of teaching posts at second level are filled on a permanent wholetime basis. Vacancies in schools arising from career breaks, approved leave of absence or secondments and concessionary posts, which are allocated in excess of a school's normal quota of posts, may only be filled in a temporary or part-time capacity. In addition, in order to ensure that schools have the flexibility to meet the curricular needs of their students, particularly in minority subject areas, it is necessary for them to appoint temporary or part-time teachers.
Eligible part-time teachers, EPT, who are fully qualified and have given satisfactory service are re-employed on a contract basis from year to year where the same teaching hours are required. Most teachers, who are initially employed as EPTs, subsequently apply for and are appointed to permanent teaching posts in their subject area. They are entitled to incremental and pension credit for their qualified EPT service, together with recognition of this service for promotion purposes.
The job security of temporary teachers is related to the number and type of posts available. In this regard the position at second level has significantly improved in recent years. More than 1,200 additional posts were created in the sector since the 1999-2000 school year. A further 400 posts will be created for the 2002-03 school year under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.