Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a system in which teachers are assessed on their performance in view of the fact that many parents continue to pay large sums of money for grinds for children who wish to succeed but because of having a poor class teacher are unable to do so; and the person who is answerable for these inadequacies. [4245/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The issue of quality of teaching within a school falls within the remit of the board of management and principal of that school. It is the duty of the board to provide, or cause to be provided, an appropriate education for all students attending the school. In September 2009 my Department issued circulars 59/2009 and 60/2009. These circulars provide a framework for schools to manage underperformance and conduct issues.

In relation to professional competence the procedures recognise that, in the first instance, it is the responsibility of each teacher to maintain appropriate standards and address any professional competence issues he or she may experience. It is also accepted that a significant majority of teachers discharge their duties competently and efficiently, and that the procedures for addressing professional competence issues are aimed at a minority within the profession. The procedures also note that these issues may be of a transient or short-term duration. Where a parental complaint raises an issue of professional competence the parent will be advised that these procedures have been invoked and the outcome of the process.