Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
703. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times retired teachers were employed in schools (details supplied) in County Louth in the 2014-15 academic year; the length of time each teacher was employed; the subjects the retired teachers were employed to teach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23254/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department. The recruitment and appointment of teachers are the responsibility of Boards of Management of recognised schools.
The policy of my Department is to ensure, as far as possible, that the Managerial Authorities of Primary and Post Primary schools give priority to unemployed registered teachers who are fully qualified when filling vacant teaching posts. While it is schools that employ teachers my Department has issued a number of Circulars addressing this issue in recent years.
Under the terms outlined in these Circulars, School Principals must maintain a list of unemployed registered teachers who are available for substitute work at short notice and report to the Board of Management on any exceptional occasion where they have had to engage a registered teacher who is retired. Circular 31/2011 details a cascade of measures for the recruitment of teachers, prioritising registered teachers over retired registered teachers and unregistered people.
A retired teacher who returns to teaching on or after 1 February 2012 commences at the first point of the incremental salary scale (i.e. the lowest point or starting salary for teachers). Incremental credit for service prior to 1 February 2012, qualification allowances and job role allowances are also not payable to retired teachers returning to teach. These measures represent a significant financial disincentive for teachers who retired at the top of their salary scale, often with a post of responsibility allowance, to return to teaching.
