Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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3. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that are participating in teacher exchanges between primary schools in the current academic year; if he will agree to change the current situation where time spent on teacher exchange is not counted towards panel rights for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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At primary level, a teacher exchange scheme exists whereby a teacher may voluntarily exchange with a teacher in any other school. The minimum period for which an exchange may occur is one year and the maximum is five years. There are 25 exchanges involving 50 teachers currently in place in primary schools.

Given that such exchanges are for limited periods of time, it is not appropriate for such teachers to have panel rights in respect of their new schools.

The exchange scheme was agreed to under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council, the body established in accordance with the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers. The council is composed of representatives of teachers, school managements and the Departments of Education and Skills and Public Expenditure and Reform and chaired by an official from the Labour Relations Commission. Any change to the exchange scheme is, therefore, a matter for the council.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. As he indicated, the teacher exchange programme can last from one to five years, which makes it temporary. Other temporary teachers in the areas in which a person is participating in an exchange can acquire panel rights, in that, after a certain period, they have the option to apply for jobs in these areas. Participants in the exchange programme may develop ties and commitments in their new areas. While most will want to revert to their base schools, those who do not should, after a certain period, be treated like other temporary teachers in these areas. If they decide not to revert to their base schools, they could have an opportunity to seek alternative employment in other schools in their exchange areas, bearing in mind the fact that the teachers with whom they exchanged will probably want to return. Would the Minister be willing to consider this suggestion? Has he given consideration to a permanent exchange programme or would he be willing to do so?

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I must confess that suggestion has not crossed my desk. However, in the light of the Deputy's question, I am happy to consider it. I will review the position and write to him. The initiative is probably with the teachers' unions and representatives, but I will send a more comprehensive answer to the Deputy. He can then decide on the best way forward.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for agreeing to do this. I look forward to engaging with him further on the matter.