John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this topic for debate. The issue I raise, while simple, is very important to those who are or, as the case may be, not at the receiving end of it. I refer to the appointment of supervisors for State examinations, specifically the junior certificate and leaving certificate. This year I have been contacted more often than in previous years by young, part-time, temporary and unemployed teachers who meet the criteria for selection as supervisors but who have for some years found it impossible to secure an appointment in supervision. Such an appointment would provide supplementary income to help them make ends meet.

Last week's conferences of the teacher unions produced much debate about reduced salaries for teachers and new entrants to the teaching profession. While that is a debate for another day, it is an issue related to the matter I raise.

On taking office last year, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, issued a circular instructing schools to offer part-time or substitute positions to qualified unemployed teachers. I commend him for taking action in that regard and ask him to avail of the opportunity to act in a similar manner. While I accept that it may be too late to act in respect of appointments as supervisors for this year's State examinations as most of them have been made, the Minister should ensure those appointed to the reserve list of supervisors are drawn exclusively from the ranks of part-time or unemployed teachers.

I understand up to 12,000 supervisors are appointed each year. Figures for 2010 indicate that only 7% of appointees are unemployed teachers. My simple request is that the €9 million expended each year on the supervision of State examinations be directed towards those who deserve it most, namely, part-time, temporary and unemployed teachers. Clearly, those appointed must be qualified and able to do the job to the highest standards.

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