Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposal to tackle the problems associated with under-performing teachers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24584/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the modernisation agenda for teachers under the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 it was agreed to address the issue of difficulties in relation to Teacher performance. It was recognised that while the vast majority of teachers fulfil their teaching function and professional duties adequately and well, there are, as in all professions, a small number of under performing personnel in schools.

In that context discussions under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council have commenced to review and revise existing procedures for the suspension and dismissal of teachers. One of the issues under consideration is the provision of assistance, where appropriate, to teachers who are experiencing professional difficulties as provided for in the Towards 2016 agreement.

The Teachers Conciliation Council is the recognised forum for dealing with matters relating to pay and conditions of service of teachers. The parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education and Science and Finance. As the proceedings of the Conciliation Council are confidential it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.