Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
323. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the initiatives or strategies under way or planned to recruit more teachers into secondary school subjects in which there is a shortfall in teaching applications, particularly language subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14967/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, additional investment has allowed the successful recruitment of over 5,000 additional teachers in the last two years. Since 2012/2013, there are 8,900 more teachers in our schools. No other part of the public service has seen growth on this scale, which is testament to the Government’s commitment to, and the importance of education in, fulfilling our national ambitions.
The numbers of graduates from initial teacher education (ITE) programmes have also remained stable. Over 8,000 primary and 7,600 second level teachers have graduated in the last five years and in 2018 it is estimated that approximately 3,300 primary and post primary teachers will graduate.
In December of last year I launched the Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education and Implementation Plan, which set out a roadmap to put Ireland in the top ten countries in Europe for the teaching and learning of foreign languages, through a number of measures targeted at improving proficiency, diversity and immersion.
As part of the implementation of the Strategy, I am determined to deliver increased teacher supply in foreign languages. In that regard, following consultation with the Irish Universities Association, I recently announced 380 additional places on post primary ITE programmes for 2018, including 100 at postgraduate level in the priority areas such as foreign languages and Irish.
I also convened the first meeting of the Teacher Supply Steering Group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, on 26 March. The Group will consider the issues that impact on teacher supply, including: policies and arrangements for schools and teachers that impact on teacher mobility/supply; promotion of the teaching profession; initial teacher education policy, provision, funding and support; and data/research requirements.
The Steering Group will oversee a programme of actions according to strict timelines and clear deliverables to meet important needs. In undertaking its task, the Group will be cognisant of the requirement that all persons wishing to teach in recognised schools must meet the professional registration standards and criteria set by the Teaching Council, which is the professional regulatory body for the teaching. The Steering Group is due to meet again shortly.
