Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister's predecessor, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, wrote to schools to urge them to recognise the requirements of younger teachers, making precisely that point. Ultimately that decision is for school principals to make, the Department does not decide on the hiring of people.

There are in-school arrangements being put in place under this induction programme. Support will be given by principal teachers and nominated experienced teachers to teachers are learning in the classroom. There is no difficulty with that.

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