Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he continues to hire retired teachers on paid contracts when so many young persons who want a career in teaching are finding it difficult to get work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Circular 31/2011 details a cascade of measures for recruitment of teachers, prioritising unemployed registered teachers over retired registered teachers and registered teachers over unregistered persons. It is important to note that schools themselves employ teachers and not the Department of Education & Skills. Ultimately, the decision lies with the principal and/or board of management of the school.

Under the current Circulars, each principal must report to his or her board of management on a regular basis on the fact that a list of unemployed registered teachers is being maintained, and the circumstances in which he or she has had to engage a registered teacher in receipt of a pension under a public service pension scheme or an unregistered person.