John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. Education is very much to the forefront in recent weeks following the Minister's announcements on various aspects of education. In my county we have had public meetings about teacher numbers and DEIS schools and there will be further public meetings next week at which people will express concern at the cuts proposed by the Minister.

The Bill has one significant difference to the Education (Amendment) Bill 2010, which was introduced by the then Minister, Ms Mary Coughlan, which failed to pass following the dissolution of the Dáil in 2011. As is his right, the Minister was entitled to re-examine the Bill and come up with his own ideas. The most obvious difference is the section relating to the power of the Minister on the appointment, redeployment and dismissal of teachers. Under the Education Act 1998 those procedures had to be agreed with the Minister and the education partners. However, the Bill stipulates that the procedures can be established following consultation rather than agreement. Perhaps the Minister will clarify the position during his reply. It seems strange that the agreement of the partners will no longer be required. The Minister has evidently given some thought to the issue and I am sure he will be able to explain the reason for the change in the procedure from the 1998 Act.

The Bill provides that teachers who are surplus will be redeployed, as per the commitment in the Croke Park agreement. It therefore places elements of the Croke Park agreement into the legislation. While managing bodies have expressed concern with the section and how it will affect their right to protect their school ethos, we believe schools are still protected in that regard. It is true that teachers may be redeployed to schools with a different ethos but I hope that would not cause significant problems. Perhaps the Minister would reiterate the discussions he had in that regard with school management groups and the various teachers' organisations.

The sections which allow the employment of unregistered teachers in certain limited circumstances are unnecessary in light of the significant number of unemployed teachers. We also believe that the Minister should consider a ban on hiring retired teachers. That continues to be a problem for qualified, young graduates seeking work. Perhaps the Minister will clarify how many retired teachers are currently working in schools. That has been a big bone of contention for young teachers throughout my political life. Young teachers find it difficult to acquire work yet in many cases retired teachers are quickly back at work. It may have been necessary to employ retired teachers in the past but it should not be happening currently given the number of unemployed teachers.

On many occasions I have received representations from young teachers and their parents about the lack of teaching posts, either temporary or full time, yet retired teachers are returning to the classroom. In the current climate of high unemployment it would be far better if young graduate teachers were employed even on a part-time basis. They could put their skills and ability to use in this country.

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