Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
145. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide full details regarding the extra teaching posts announced as part of budget 2017; the way these teaching posts will be divided between primary and post-primary schools; if qualified post-primary teachers of history and religion can apply for these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32728/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and the staffing circulars in respect of the 2017/18 school year will be available on the Department website next January.
Budget 2017 sets out the resources available for schools for the 2017/18 school year. This Budget represents the start of a major reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade. The budget provides for over 2,400 additional teaching posts for our primary and post primary schools next year.
This includes 680 posts to meet rising demographic needs at both primary and post-primary level, 900 additional resource teachers to cover both sectors, 550 additional posts arising from Junior Cycle professional time, 100 posts arising from enhancements to guidance, and 170 posts arising from enhancements to school leadership.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
