Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that have been taken to ensure that the Professional Development Service for Teachers has sufficient full-time staff to meet the needs of Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí and Scoileanna Gaeltacht; if he has made provision for the interviewing of candidates through the medium of Gaeilge; and the supports in place to ensure the competency of staff to teach in Irish speaking schools. [19140/11]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It is the policy of my Department that professional development support services for teachers provide a service through Irish for teachers working in Irish-medium schools. The PDST has ten full time members of staff who have the capacity to provide a service through the medium of Irish and this is being reviewed in the context of planning for the next school year. Recruitment processes take account of the skills and capacity requirements of the service and relevant statutory requirements.

In addition to the supports provided by the PDST, there are a number of other supports for teachers in Irish-speaking schools. At post-primary level, An tSeirbhís Tacaíochta Dara Leibhéal don Ghaeilge is a full-time team dedicated to providing support to teachers of Irish in all post-primary schools. Other supports include summer courses and online resources.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I commend the work of the PDST which is excellent. However, there are deficits in teaching subjects through Irish. Those who come from a meánscoil and those teaching project maths and related subjects require technical support. It is not just a case of people being able to speak the language, they must have the technical ability to deliver it. I do not know the extent of the vacancies. I urge the Minister of State to re-examine the issue and provide support. That is the message I am hearing from meánscoileanna and gaelscoileanna.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I think the Deputy for his comments. I ask him to identify specific areas, schools or service which engaged with the PDST and where a deficit was found. I would like to hear more about that. Perhaps the Department could engage with him. The PDST can also augment its support mechanisms through the engagement of advisers. It has the facility to recruit part-time advisers. I am willing to engage with the Deputy on a specific issue.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Language activists and those involved in schools have said there is a weakness in the system. I will revert to the Minister of State. The people concerned have referred specifically to the teaching of chemistry and mathematics which need support if taught through the medium of Irish. Those delivering supports often do so through English rather than Irish. That is the weakness in the system.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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If the Deputy is aware of specific people who have identified a range of issues, the Department will have to engage with such people. It is vital.