Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 524: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the role an inspector has in carrying out an assessment of a newly qualified primary teacher for their diploma; the measures that can be taken if an inspection is deemed to be unfair to the newly qualified teacher involved; if there is an onus on the inspector to notify in advance their visit to inspect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30928/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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During the probationary period for primary teachers, which normally extends over a school year, the Inspectorate evaluates a teacher's effectiveness in a classroom environment, and in teaching the appropriate range of curriculum areas and subjects. Probationary requirements for primary teachers are laid out in Circular 0140/2006.

Where a teacher is dissatisfied with the professional work of an inspector or an Inspectorate report, the teacher may request a review of the inspection in accordance with the Procedure for Review of Inspections on Schools and Teachers which has been drawn up by the Chief Inspector in accordance with Section 13 (9) of the Education Act 1998. If the issues raised by a teacher relate to the general behaviour or conduct of an inspector the complaint may be referred for investigation under the Department's customer comments and complaints system.

During the probationary period, two reports on the teacher's work are completed by an Inspector: an interim report (Beagthuairisc) during the first half of the school year, and a General Report (Mórthuairisc) in the second half of the year. With the exception of the visit to complete the General Report, all visits by the Inspector are incidental and no advance notice is given. In the case of the General Inspection which leads to a General Report, and in accordance with Rule 161 (11) of the Rules for National Schools, three clear school days' notice of a General Inspection is given in writing to the teacher and to the Chairperson of the Board of Management.