Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister answered several other questions but she did not answer the questions I asked regarding additional positions. I do not believe that is necessarily what will resolve it at primary level but I am talking particularly about post-primary level where some teachers work on a part-time basis and others do not have a permanent contract. If they can be offered a permanent or full-time contract, they will stay with the schools and they can be recruited, particularly in the areas where there is significant pressure.

We are coming into the Christmas period and teachers will be coming back from the Middle East, Britain and elsewhere. I would say that many of them would like to stay. The Minister will recall that her predecessor on a visit to the Middle East some years ago was told by a teacher that they wanted to come back immediately and asked whether they could be given a permanent contract. As I understand it, that will not be the case. If the teacher asked the Minister whether she could give him or her a permanent contract, that would still be the case. Can the Minister consider permanent contracts and contracts of indefinite duration for teachers who are returning from abroad this Christmas?

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