Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Cummins again for giving me the opportunity to outline to the Seanad the position on the different redeployment schemes operating in the post-primary sector and how the voluntary transfer scheme helps to deliver on the important objective of successfully redeploying surplus post-primary teachers to where they are needed most. I note the point he has made in respect of the pilot schemes. It has operated in 24 counties but not all at once. At present it operates in counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly. I note the point Senator Cummins has raised and I will bring it back to the Minister, Deputy Foley. I also note the point Senator Cummins has raised on dialogue and engagement between the Department of Education, the education and training boards and the unions, and I will bring it back to the Minister. Dialogue is key.

It is important that the voluntary aspect of the redeployment process does not inadvertently cause undue delays for the recruitment of teachers by schools or cause additional challenges to teacher supply throughout the country. Members of the school community are advised to discuss areas of concern with their representative bodies. The review in respect of the 2023-24 redeployment process took place last December with education stakeholders and the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme will operate in the four counties I have named. The criteria for the allocation of teachers to schools, including the redeployment arrangements for the 2023-24 school year, are available on the Department of Education's website. I note the points Senator Cummins has raised and I will bring them to the attention of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, for her consideration.