Written answers

Tuesday, 11 October 2005

Department of Education and Science

School Staffing

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of males entering primary level teaching for the most recent year for which statistics are available; the total number entering primary level teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27574/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent figures available in the Department of Education and Science refer to the 2004-05 school year, and indicate that, of the 1,357 teachers appointed for the first time as permanent or temporary qualified teachers at primary level, 144 were male. The relatively low levels of men in the primary teaching force, a feature common to all OECD countries, is an issue that is of concern to me. It is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.

One way to address this issue is to undertake a promotional campaign to encourage more boys into teaching. Plans for this campaign are being considered in the Department of Education and Science.

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