John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

436. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school vacancies that existed in each of the years 2014 to 2017; the number of these that were successfully filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1628/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2017/18 school year sees a significant increase of over 4,000 in teacher numbers in our primary schools compared to the 2013/14 school year.

Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

The Statistics Section of my Department's website contains extensive data relating to schools at primary level, including teacher numbers. The most recent published information relates to the 2016/17 school year.