Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools which have been identified with the largest numbers of newcomer children needing English language support; if she will confirm that teachers will be appointed to these schools in the coming weeks; if so, the number appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8011/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 130 primary schools have been identified with eligible non-English speaking newcomer pupils. The schools in question have been notified by my Department that they qualify for a total of 179 posts under the initiative referred to by the Deputy.

The recruitment and appointment of personnel to fill teaching posts, including language support posts, is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school. Agreed procedures with regard to the filling of posts (e.g. compliance with any redeployment panel arrangements in place, composition of selection boards, advertising etc) must be followed.

It is the policy of my Department that only qualified personnel should be employed. Unqualified personnel should not be appointed except in exceptional circumstances and then only when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted.

Teaching posts that arise are normally advertised by the relevant school Board of Management in the national press. It is a matter for persons wishing to be considered for appointment to submit their applications direct to the Board of Management.