Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge there is a problem in key subject areas, but there is no problem overall. Training of teachers involves about 3,800 students, which is split roughly half and half between post-primary and primary schools. About 1,600 teachers retire each year. There is a substantial net increase in supply each year. We are recruiting more now than we were. The current levels are far in excess of those of previous years, and we are now moving to match those levels.

The technical working group has not offered any open and shut solution. It said that planning to develop a model is extremely complex and we need to check and develop new data sources and invest in a mini CSO for teaching. This is not a quick or easy fix.

We will consider putting on short-term courses, as happened in the case of mathematics in the past, in order to meet particular pinch points. We will consider initiatives that are put forward. If the Deputy is aware of specific initiatives, we will examine them in order to fill identifiable gaps.

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