Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 975: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, having regard to the increase of retiring teachers from 641 in 2001 to 1,060 in 2006 and approximately 1,300 in 2007, she will outline the projections her Department has for the number of anticipated retirements in 2008, 2009 and 2010; if such figures indicate that an increase in the recruitment of trainee teachers is required; if so, the steps she proposes to take in order to meet this potential provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1469/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Precise projection of retirement from the teaching profession in any year is difficult. The vast majority of teachers retire voluntarily, which they may do from age 55 to age 65, providing they have the requisite service.

For 2008, our estimates for projected retirements in the calendar year (Primary, Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools) is 1,245. In the years 2009 and 2010, the projections are 1,410 and 1,432 respectively.

The numbers of graduates coming from the various centres for initial teacher education annually at present is in the region of 2,900. My Department continually monitors the situation in relation to retirements and the many other factors affecting supply and demand of teachers, in the light of system needs and available resources going forward.

I am satisfied that my Department will take the necessary steps to enable the future demand and need for teachers to be met. The Deputy might be interested to note that, in this context, my Department approved an additional 210 for the current intake to the Post graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), commencing February 2008.