Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
268. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if circular 0071/2014 will be reviewed with a view to defining exceptional circumstances; if the circumstances and criteria for such exceptional circumstances will be set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13874/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra269. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of transfers of teachers relying on exceptional circumstances in relation to circular 0071/2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
Circular 0059/2009 set out the disciplinary procedures for teachers employed by Vocational Education Committees (VEC). A separate Circular (Circular 60/2009) sets out the disciplinary procedures for non-VEC teachers. The procedures were negotiated and agreed with the education partners in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Education Act, 1998.
Circular 0059/2009 was superseded by Circular 0071/2014 in October 2014 to account for the merger of VECs into Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Where an ETB is dealing with performance or conduct issues in respect of a teacher, the use of Circular 0071/2014 is mandatory. The procedures set out in Circular 0071/2014 may be commenced or ceased at different stages by the employer depending on the circumstances of the individual case concerned. The Circular does not set out exceptional circumstances and I have no plans to review this matter.
As the Circular does not set out exceptional circumstances, my Department has no information on the number of transfers of teachers relying on such circumstances. My Department does not hold information generally on the number of teacher transfers which may have occurred as a result of Circular 0071/2014.
