Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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333. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider mandating that teachers' pay depends on holistic evaluations of performance instead of on their start date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19701/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Teachers Common Basic Scale allows for annual incremental progression by teachers.My Department currently has no plans to introduce a scheme of performance related pay for teachers. 

Based on best international practice and research, my Department uses a range of complementary measures that have been shown to be effective in improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools. These include: measures to assure the quality of initial teacher education; regulations that ensure that only registered and qualified teachers may be employed in schools; the provision of continuing professional development for teachers and specialised professional development for school leaders; encouraging and requiring collaborative practices in schools through initiatives such as school self-evaluation and collaborative assessment practices that are included in Junior Cycle reforms; and external inspection through the Inspectorate. I should also note that the Teaching Council is currently working to introduce improved induction arrangements for newly qualified teachers so as to support them in achieving fully registered status as teachers.

In addition to the above, my Department has also published procedures aimed at assisting schools address professional competence issues which teachers may experience.  These procedures can be accessed on my Department's website at:

For Primary, Secondary and Community & Comprehensive Schools

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For ETBs

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Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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334. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider granting a yearly bonus to maths teachers who hold a master's degree or PhD in maths in order to address the shortage of qualified maths teachers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19702/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In 2012 a public service-wide review of pay and allowances was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result of the review, qualification allowances and certain other premium payments were abolished with effect from 1st February 2012. The Department of Education and Skills Circular 0008/2013 outlines the effect of this decision on teachers.