Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of science graduates who are teaching science in post primary schools with educational degrees and qualifications such as the Higher Diploma in Education; the plans in place to increase the number of these qualified science teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9271/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is not aware of the number of science teachers who have an educational degree and postgraduate qualifications that are employed in post primary schools.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school concerned. Boards of Management must make every effort, including advertising in a national newspaper, to obtain the services of a qualified teacher for appointment to a temporary or permanent post.

In relation to plans to increase the numbers of qualified science teachers, the Deputy may be aware that the Teaching Council's database of registered teachers will be able to provide a range of different information on the numbers of registered teachers in various disciplines and on their qualifications. This information will provide valuable input into my Department's examination of issues around supply and demand for teachers of various subjects, and we will make plans accordingly.