Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the approximate number of qualified primary school teachers, resident here, not currently employed in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4987/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department. I am aware that there are newly qualified teachers not yet holding teaching positions in schools. My Department has directed managerial authorities of 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 JobBridge National Internship Scheme can provide newly qualified teachers with opportunities to gain experience and to undertake the necessary teaching duties to complete the process of probation and fulfil the requirements for full registration with the Teaching Council. The minimum service requirement for probation purposes in order to secure registration with the Teaching Council was decreased from 170 days to 100 days in the 2011/2012 school year.