Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

620 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of untrained teachers at present employed in primary schools who have the duties and responsibilities of qualified teachers; the rate of pay of these persons; if he will compare this to the rate for qualified teachers; if increments are paid to those workers who have held such positions for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16331/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

There are currently 868 unqualified teachers employed in primary schools. Unqualified teachers may be employed in primary schools on a temporary short-term basis. The current rate of pay applicable is €55.85 per day or €20,401 per annum.

Permanent and temporary qualified primary teachers are paid by reference to an incremental salary scale. The present incremental salary scale for such teachers ranges from €23,096 per annum to €44,891 per annum.