The information requested by the Deputy is not available from my Department payroll databases, however I am given to understand from the Teaching Council that there are currently some 68,000 teachers registered with them.
The managerial authorities of secondary and community/comprehensive schools are advised that all teachers who apply for appointment to permanent, temporary and regular part-time teaching posts must be registered with the Teaching Council and this registration is verified before teachers are placed on my Department's payrolls.
As, you are aware, I have indicated my intention to commence Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act in the near future. I have also indicated that the commencement of the section will provide for it to be regulated that a school may employ unregistered personnel on a time limited basis in exceptional circumstances.
I believe that the above proposed legislative arrangement reflects the situation facing schools today where it is not always possible, for a variety of reasons, to engage a registered teacher for substitution duty.
I intend that this proposed amendment will be facilitated under the Education (Patronage) Bill which is due to be published during the current term of the Oireachtas.