Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give a full breakdown of the number of personnel employed on the professional development support for teachers programme; the number who have primary level background and skills; the number who have post-primary background and skills; the number with primary backgrounds who have experience in anti-bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18450/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In the 2010/2011 the breakdown of staff in the PDST between those with primary and post-primary backgrounds was 48 primary teachers and 27 post primary teachers. The skill sets of the team members range from subject and programme specific to generic support across a range of areas.

The approach of the PDST is to work on a cross-sectoral basis and steps have been taken to achieve this aim, while also addressing the individual needs of each sector. Planning for the next school year is currently underway.

In relation to experience in anti-bullying, there are ten full time people on the PDST team who have particular expertise and training in the areas where anti-bullying content is likely to arise such as Social Personal and Health Education, Relationships and Sexuality Education, Child Protection and Policy Development including Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying.

It is acknowledged that the level of resources available to support services have been reduced in recent years in line with the changed economic situation. Accordingly, schools may experience some delay in accessing supports and needs identified are responded to as quickly as possible.

I consider these supports to be adequate, particularly given the overall range of priorities that the teacher support services aim to address on an ongoing basis.