Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who graduated in each of the past five years; the number of vacancies at primary school level known to his Department for each of the past five years; the number of unqualified persons teaching within the primary school system for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25137/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information which the Deputy requested in relation to the number of primary teachers who graduated is shown in the table. The number of vacancies in primary schools varies throughout the school year and are managed at local level by individual school Boards of Management. Under the terms of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management of a primary school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of all teachers to a school. Appointments are notified to my Department by the Board of Management. My Department has no role in the selection and appointment process.

There were 615 unqualified teachers out of a cohort of 30,609 teachers at primary level on my Department's payroll in May, 2008. The corresponding figures for the previous four years were:

403 — 2007

291 — 2006

332 — 2005

589 — 2004.

Boards of Management are obliged to recruit and employ fully qualified primary teachers for any vacancy in a school, regardless of the duration of the vacancy. Information regarding recognised qualifications can be obtained from the Primary Administration Section of my Department.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of holders of contracts of indefinite duration in voluntary secondary schools and community/comprehensive schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25142/08]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of holders of contracts of indefinite duration of 18 hours or over in voluntary secondary schools and community/comprehensive schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded direct to him.