Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1143 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the staffing details of the inspectorate at both primary and post-primary level including the number of inspectors at each grade in each business area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33368/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inspectorate is a Division within the Department of Education and Science. While inspectors are generally recruited to work in either the primary or post-primary sector, the work of the Inspectorate is managed as a unified service headed by the Chief Inspector. The Inspectorate is divided into two sub-divisions, each headed by a Deputy Chief Inspector. The Regional Subdivision is responsible for the delivery and management of section/evaluation services and related advisory activities in schools and centres for education. The Policy Support Subdivision is responsible for contributing to the development of Departmental policy across a range of areas, for supporting inspection/evaluation activity generally, and for operational services for the Inspectorate. Inspectors from the Policy Support Subdivision also contribute to the work of the Regional Subdivision by conducting inspection activity throughout the year.
The staffing of each subdivision is listed below.
Regional Subdivision
1 Deputy Chief Inspector
5 Assistant Chief Inspectors
18 Divisional Primary Inspectors
32 Primary Inspectors
17 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors
28.5 Post-Primary Inspectors
Policy Support Subdivision
1 Deputy Chief Inspector
4 Assistant Chief inspectors
12 Divisional Primary Inspectors
1 Primary Inspector
10 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors
2.5 Post-Primary Inspectors
One Assistant Chief Inspector and nine Divisional/Senior Inspectors are also assigned to the Directorate of Regional Services. They provide support and advice of a regional nature, liaise with educational bodies and educational providers within the regional catchment areas, conduct evaluations of centres for education and manage visiting teacher services.
A number of inspectors are assigned to work within other sections of the Department as follows:
Planning and Building Unit (2 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors)
Special Education Section (1 Divisional Primary Inspector)
Teacher Education Section (1 Senior Post-Primary Inspector and 1 Divisional Primary Inspector).
In addition to the above, a small number of inspectors are currently on secondment or career break.
1144 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary inspectors who have retired since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1145 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary inspectors who have retired since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33370/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1144 and 1145 together.
Since the implementation of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Sector there has been a total of six retirements from the Inspectorate of my Department. Of these retirements, five were primary inspectors and one a post primary inspector.
