Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of males under 30 employed as full-time teachers at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5553/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 860 males under 30 employed as full-time teachers at primary level. Recently I launched a promotional campaign aimed at encouraging more men to consider primary teaching as a career choice. Studies have shown that decreasing numbers of men are applying to become primary school teachers, both in Ireland and across the developed world.

The first phase of the Men As Teachers and Educators campaign has seen newspaper and radio advertisements highlighting the key attributes and strengths of primary school teachers. The campaign is seeking to remind parents, students, teachers, guidance counsellors and all those thinking about career options about the valuable and rewarding work undertaken each day in our primary schools. I hope this campaign will make young men take a look at the valuable contribution they can make through a career as a primary school teacher.