Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 439: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of unqualified persons who are on a regular teaching contract of employment within the primary and secondary sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3377/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. It is the policy of my Department that unqualified personnel should only be employed in exceptional circumstances and when all avenues for recruiting qualified personnel have been exhausted. Unqualified personnel should therefore only be employed for short periods pending the recruitment of a fully qualified teacher.

I have indicated my intention to commence Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act in the near future. I have also indicated that the commencement of the section will also provide for it to be regulated that a school may employ unregistered personnel on a time limited basis in extreme circumstances.

There are currently of the order of 430 persons who are not qualified as primary school teachers employed in teaching posts in primary schools. This figure may include some new teachers who are awaiting recognition of their existing qualifications by the Teaching Council which, when received, will enable their re-classification on my Department's payroll to qualified teachers.

The number of untrained post-primary teachers is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy by the Post Primary Payroll Section of my Department.