Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1143: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the staffing details of the inspectorate at both primary and post-primary level including the number of inspectors at each grade in each business area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33368/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Inspectorate is a Division within the Department of Education and Science. While inspectors are generally recruited to work in either the primary or post-primary sector, the work of the Inspectorate is managed as a unified service headed by the Chief Inspector. The Inspectorate is divided into two sub-divisions, each headed by a Deputy Chief Inspector. The Regional Subdivision is responsible for the delivery and management of section/evaluation services and related advisory activities in schools and centres for education. The Policy Support Subdivision is responsible for contributing to the development of Departmental policy across a range of areas, for supporting inspection/evaluation activity generally, and for operational services for the Inspectorate. Inspectors from the Policy Support Subdivision also contribute to the work of the Regional Subdivision by conducting inspection activity throughout the year.

The staffing of each subdivision is listed below.

Regional Subdivision 1 Deputy Chief Inspector 5 Assistant Chief Inspectors 18 Divisional Primary Inspectors 32 Primary Inspectors 17 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors 28.5 Post-Primary Inspectors

Policy Support Subdivision

1 Deputy Chief Inspector

4 Assistant Chief inspectors

12 Divisional Primary Inspectors

1 Primary Inspector

10 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors

2.5 Post-Primary Inspectors

One Assistant Chief Inspector and nine Divisional/Senior Inspectors are also assigned to the Directorate of Regional Services. They provide support and advice of a regional nature, liaise with educational bodies and educational providers within the regional catchment areas, conduct evaluations of centres for education and manage visiting teacher services.

A number of inspectors are assigned to work within other sections of the Department as follows; Planning and Building Unit (2 Senior Post-Primary Inspectors) Special Education Section (1 Divisional Primary Inspector) Teacher Education Section (1 Senior Post-Primary Inspector and 1 Divisional Primary Inspector)

In addition to the above, a small number of inspectors are currently on secondment or career break.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1144: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary inspectors who retired since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1145: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary inspectors who retired since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33370/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1144 and 1145 together.

Since the implementation of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Sector there has been a total of six retirements from the Inspectorate of my Department. Of these retirements, five were primary inspectors and one a post primary inspector. ^^ Proposed Legislation. ^^

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1146: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when he will commence section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33371/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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 provide for it to be regulated that a school may employ unregistered personnel on a time limited basis in exceptional circumstances.

I believe that the above proposed legislative arrangement reflects the situation facing schools today where it is not always possible, for a variety of reasons, to engage a registered teacher for substitution duty.

I intend that this proposed amendment will be facilitated under the Education (Patronage) Bill which is due to be published during the Autumn term of the Oireachtas.