Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to assist graduate teachers who are currently unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29069/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Anecdotal evidence indicates that there is an over supply of teachers currently and that there are newly qualified teachers not yet holding teaching positions in schools. My Department has introduced a circular which obliges schools to recruit unemployed teachers ahead of retired ones, in an effort to ease the difficulties for those who cannot find work in the profession. In addition, the Deputy might also wish to note that the JobBridge National Internship Scheme has recently been extended to teachers. This provides newly qualified teachers with opportunities to undertake the necessary teaching duties to complete the process of probation and fulfil the requirements for full registration with the Teaching Council.