Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the interview processes that are used to fill vacant positions at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32795/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if complaints have been made to her with regard to the interview processes used for the filling of positions at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32794/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 190 together.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual second level school is a matter for the relevant school authority. First-time appointment is normally achieved through a system of open competition following advertisement which details the subject requirements of the post. Selection is by means of interview which takes into account the suitability of the qualifications of the applicant for the post as advertised, any relevant experience as well as other factors relating to the applicants general suitability for the post. There is a responsibility on the school authorities to ensure that the selection process is fair and impartial. The objective is to select the most suitable candidate for the post.

From time to time, my Department receives complaints from disappointed applicants for teaching positions. As the matters complained of generally come within the remit of the school authority, the complainants are advised to bring the matters complained of to the attention of the relevant authority. In the event that the complainant is dissatisfied with the response of the school authority, contact may be made with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which operates a comprehensive employee rights advisory service.