Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
834. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will consider introducing an universal scheme for swaps or redeployment for teachers, based on the principle of treating all teachers equally and given the fact that there is already an internal system within education and training boards for redeployment and job swaps for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42385/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers to other schools where vacancies exist. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget.
The redeployment arrangements is the first method used to fill vacancies in the primary school system. At primary level, the Redeployment Panels are based on school patronage and it is the patron bodies that administer the redeployment panels. As such, the decision to facilitate a panel transfer rests with the relevant Patron.
At Post Primary level a voluntary redeployment scheme has operated on a pilot basis in specific regions in recent years. Permanent teachers employed in these regions were given an opportunity to volunteer for a transfer to other areas if such a transfer would free up a vacancy that would facilitate the redeployment of a surplus permanent teacher in the region.
The criteria for the allocation of teachers to primary and post-primary schools, including the redeployment arrangements, are available on the Department's website.
