Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

This is very much like what we have discussed already, but I take the point that there is a slight difference. Rather than weakening boards of management, if this is done right, in the context of the Minister's reference to agreement and consultation, it could empower them. In most cases, boards of management are not sufficiently consulted in the filling of vacancies in schools. In the North all applications are reviewed by the board and must tick a certain number of boxes. This ensures all those selected for interview are in possession of certain competencies. That is very rarely done in this jurisdiction. Instead, it is generally the case that the first the board members know of a teacher is immediately after his or her appointment when they are summoned to ratify the appointment. It could be done differently. Will the Minister indicate whether he is moving in that direction?

Senator Rónán Mullen has said there is a reason a person on a panel is not appointed to a post. That may or may not be the case. It could be, for example, that an applicant is not on good terms with a former principal who may have sent the message that the applicant is not a good teacher. That has happened. The basic competency of a teacher is judged by an inspector. Once he or she has the necessary inspector's reports, that should be it. Some time ago there was a proposal that boards of management might have responsibility for assessing teachers' performance on a scale such as that applied to civil servants for the purpose of assessing eligibility for increments. Such a move would empower boards and improve teaching and learning in schools. However, it was not deemed acceptable at the time.

Everything we do must be focused on the quality of teaching and learning in schools. If these criteria are met, we can move ahead. In supporting the Minister on this provision I note that there is nothing substantially different from what we have heard already.