Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 July 2013
143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a protocol or guideline in place governing the appointment of voluntary classroom assistants at primary and second level; if not, his plans in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32607/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the recruitment and selection of school personnel (including volunteers) rests with the Board of Management. If the Board of Management of a school decides to engage a person (whether on a voluntary or paid basis) to assist or supplement the classroom teacher, the Board must ensure that appropriate selection procedures have been followed and that the person is suitably qualified to undertake the duties concerned. In this regard, good practice involves the checking of recent employment records, qualifications, experience and names of referees. In relation to Garda vetting, all schools are also required to comply with the vetting arrangements, including those relating to volunteers, as set out in my Department's Circular 0063/2010. It should be noted that the teaching staff and principal remain responsible for the provision of the curriculum and must exercise effective control over the planning and content and delivery of lessons and the assessment of pupil progress. The class teacher continues to be responsible for the supervision of pupils in situations where an external tutor or other individual is working with the class and the class teacher therefore must remain with the pupils during such periods.
