Finian McGrath
Ceist:190 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers with maths degrees who will be recruited by schools ahead of the new academic year. [23401/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 14 September 2011
Ceisteanna (193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:191 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of qualified maths teachers by age; and the number of teachers who are nearing retirement. [23402/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinian McGrath
Ceist:192 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of leaving certificate students being taught by a teacher who does not hold a qualification. [23403/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinian McGrath
Ceist:193 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of unqualified maths teachers who are teaching the subject; the breakdown of the number of unqualified maths teachers in public versus private schools, or by geographical area, or by gender. [23404/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinian McGrath
Ceist:194 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of qualified maths teachers teaching here; and if he will contact each secondary school to find out whether it has enough qualified maths teachers. [23405/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinian McGrath
Ceist:195 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any study has been completed on the relationship between maths grades and the qualification of teachers. [23406/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 to 195, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Teaching Council that there are almost 4,100 qualified Maths teachers currently on the register of teachers. Of these, just over 500 teachers are aged between 55 and 59 (nearing retirement), while less than 230 are aged 60 and over.
In relation to the qualifications of those currently teaching mathematics in post-primary schools, the Teaching Council has carried out a survey on this subject. The results of the survey shows that out of a total of 2,045 teachers teaching maths in 258 schools, 1,400 teachers are fully qualified to do so, 596 teachers have undergone some studies in maths and only 49 have no third level qualifications/studies in maths. The survey helps us to get a clearer picture of what is actually happening on the ground in these schools and the data allows us to plan to meet the training needs of teachers over the coming years. The Council has not advised on the breakdown of maths teachers in different categories of schools, by gender, or location, nor is this information currently available to the Department.
Recruitment of teachers is a matter for individual schools and therefore it is not possible for me to say how many teachers with maths degrees will be recruited for this academic year. However, schools have been directed by my Department, as far as practicable, to appoint only appropriately qualified and registered teachers. The appointment and deployment of teachers within schools is also a matter for schools themselves.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 151.