Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
333. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider mandating that teachers' pay depends on holistic evaluations of performance instead of on their start date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19701/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teachers Common Basic Scale allows for annual incremental progression by teachers. My Department currently has no plans to introduce a scheme of performance related pay for teachers.
Based on best international practice and research, my Department uses a range of complementary measures that have been shown to be effective in improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools. These include: measures to assure the quality of initial teacher education; regulations that ensure that only registered and qualified teachers may be employed in schools; the provision of continuing professional development for teachers and specialised professional development for school leaders; encouraging and requiring collaborative practices in schools through initiatives such as school self-evaluation and collaborative assessment practices that are included in Junior Cycle reforms; and external inspection through the Inspectorate. I should also note that the Teaching Council is currently working to introduce improved induction arrangements for newly qualified teachers so as to support them in achieving fully registered status as teachers.
In addition to the above, my Department has also published procedures aimed at assisting schools address professional competence issues which teachers may experience. These procedures can be accessed on my Department's website at:
For Primary, Secondary and Community & Comprehensive Schools
http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0060_2009.pdf .
For ETBs
http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0071_2014.pdf .
