Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of substitute teachers employed per school day, on average, in primary schools; if these positions are taken account of in planning for the supply of teachers; if his attention has been drawn to the acute shortage of teachers to fill substitute teacher positions; his plans to address this serious issue for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31114/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The average number of substitute teachers employed on a daily basis in primary schools is approximately 3,600. 

In overall terms, my Department has no evidence of a recent or current shortage of primary teachers.  However, I am aware that some schools are experiencing difficulty in recruiting adequately qualified substitute teachers, and I am committed to examining all possible means of addressing this issue.

The final report of the Technical Working Group on teacher supply, ‘Striking the Balance’ was published on 9 June 2017.  The report focusses on the development of a model of primary teacher supply, while outlining the work which will be required to establish a sustainable long term model of post primary teacher supply.  In considering the model of teacher supply at primary level the report took account of many variables, including the number of additional teachers required to cover for teacher absences, such as illness, maternity leave, career break or secondment.

The report sets out an approach to planning the work necessary to develop a model for achieving a better balance between teacher supply and demand in the medium to long term. 

Officials of my Department are now considering how the development of a model can be progressed, from within available resources. The necessary actions will include engagement with the HEA in order to ensure that the supply of teachers meets demand and there is the correct balance of teachers in each of the various subject areas at post primary level, as well as measures to address data requirements, particularly at post primary level.

The Deputy will be aware that, in conjunction with the publication of the report, I announced a number of measures to increase the pool of teachers available to schools, in particular to fill short term vacancies. These measures are to be considered over the coming period with a view to having in place, where appropriate, for the beginning of the 2017/18 school year. They include: ensuring, in as far as is possible, that as many retiring and retired teachers remain on the Teaching Council register; increasing the limits for employment for a teacher while on career break; bringing to the attention of schools that final year B. Ed. and Professional Masters in Education students may be employed in for periods of up to 5 consecutive days.