Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the statutory Teaching Council, the current level of staffing of the council; the staffing complement as required and requested by the council in order to carry out its functions; the reason an employment control framework is being applied to the council in view of the fact that it is fully funded by the annual registration fees and other fees, paid by registered teachers and by applicants for registration; if he will seek to have the necessary staffing level reinstated, in view of the fact that there is no obvious cost to public funds in so doing and in view of the delays being experienced by applicants for registration and council services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40804/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The current authorised permanent staffing complement for the Teaching Council is 28.5. The Teaching Council has submitted a request for further staff which it considers necessary to carry out its functions. This request is under consideration at present, and my Department is in ongoing communication with both the Teaching Council and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the Council's staffing issues.

The Employment Control Framework agreed for my Department covers the period 2010 to 2014 and comprehends staff working in a range of bodies and organisations across the education area. Regardless of funding status, agencies under the aegis of the Department, including the Teaching Council, are required to order and prioritise their work and working practices to take account of any limitations resulting from the application of the Employment Control Framework. This process of effectively managing staffing resources is ongoing and is regularly monitored with a view to ensuring continued effective delivery of key services.