Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure adequate teacher cover in primary and post-primary schools throughout the country, some of which may have been affected to a greater extent by retirements or early retirements in the context of reduction in public service numbers; if he is satisfied that normal educational requirements can be complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51592/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Teaching resources are allocated to schools on a school year basis. Unlike most other areas of the public service teaching vacancies are being filled in accordance with published Department criteria. The Government has prioritised, as best as possible, the filling of front-line posts in the Education sector within the constraints of the Employment Control Framework. For example, schools are permitted to fill teaching vacancies that arise within their approved staffing allocations. I am confident that the large pool of qualified and registered teachers will be in a position to continue to provide high quality education to students. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.