Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to change the Education Act 1998 in such a way as will establish conformity with European and international equality norms in relation to the hiring, promotion, and working conditions of teachers. [14055/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Education Act, schools are managed by the Patron and the Patron is responsible for the direct governance of a school. The Patron nominates a Board of a Management to manage a school on its behalf.

Section 24 (1) of the Education Act 1998 provides that the Board of Management "may appoint such and so many persons as teachers and other staff of a school as the board from time to time thinks necessary for the performance of its powers and functions under this Act". Section 24(3) of the Act also states that "A board shall appoint teachers and other staff, who are to be paid from monies provided by the Oireachtas, and may suspend or dismiss such teachers and staff, in accordance with procedures agreed from time to time between the Minister, the patron, recognised school management organisations and any recognised trade union and staff association representing teachers or other staff as appropriate". There are no plans to change the position in this regard.

The forum for dealing with claims for improvements in the conditions of service for teachers is the Teachers' Conciliation Council. Such claims are processed through the Council in accordance with the terms of the revised Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers.