Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take in response to the report on attracting more men into primary teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27649/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the primary education committee contains several recommendations aimed at increasing the number of males entering primary teaching. The report is being considered by the relevant officials in the Department of Education and Science. 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.

The primary education committee was established to examine a range of issues on males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard. The report draws on the professional insight of the key experts in this area as well as an examination of several relevant research studies. The report's findings will be of significant benefit in assisting the development of future policy in this important area. One key recommendation in the committee's report is that a co-ordinated promotion campaign, which would encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching, should be undertaken. Officials in the Department of Education and Science will take action to determine how such a promotion campaign can be run to maximum effect. All other recommendations contained in the report are receiving consideration.