Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I am extremely concerned by the blasé, hands-off attitude displayed by the Minister in respect of this serious incident, which was reported in The Sunday Times. Two journalists were able to use aliases in order to gain entry to a school and teach two separate classes. Neither their qualifications nor their standing as teachers was checked by the authorities at the school. The Minister has adopted a kind of hands-off approach and stated that this is a matter for schools and that schools must be aware of the contents of the 2006 circular from his Department. Is he not concerned that someone who does not possess any relevant qualifications can log on to a website, gain entry to a school and then teach 20 or 30 students?

In his initial reply, the Minister commented on vetting. I did not inquire about that matter. However, in the case to which I refer, there was no indication that the two people involved were qualified teachers. Is the Minister concerned about this matter? What further measures does he intend to put in place to ensure that incidents of this kind will not happen in the future? Would it not be sensible for his Department to be involved in the construction of a system that would guarantee that substitute teachers possess the requisite qualifications. Will the Minister treat this issue with greater seriousness?

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