Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2004
170 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department can and does take when a school employs an untrained teacher in a situation in which a trained teacher is available for the post concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6188/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's position is that, as far as possible, fully qualified teachers should be employed in primary schools. While there is a shortage of trained teachers and it is not always possible, as a result, to secure the services of a trained teacher, school authorities are expected to make reasonable efforts to ensure that any vacancy which may arise is filled by a fully qualified teacher.
If my Department becomes aware of a situation where an unqualified teacher is employed in preference to a fully qualified teacher, the matter will be taken up with the school authorities concerned.
