Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 April 2017
175. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of substitute teachers for primary schools and the difficulties this is causing for school principals and managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16877/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn overall terms my Department does not have evidence of a recent or current general shortage of primary teachers, including for substitute positions. However, I am aware that some schools are experiencing difficulty in recruiting substitute teachers, and I am committed to examining all possible means of addressing this issue.
The aim of my Department's policy is to achieve a balance between the supply of, and demand for, teachers. The Deputy will be aware of the report of the Technical Working Group (TWG) which was set up by the Teaching Council to formulate advice on teacher supply and which I intend to publish this week.
The TWG's report sets out an approach to planning which scopes out the work necessary to develop a model for teacher supply in the medium to long term. In the meantime, I am committed to advancing short term measures to address potential shortages of substitute teachers, including the employment by schools of retired teachers and those on career break and an increase in the number of days per school year that a post primary teacher on career break may work as a substitute.
