Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he is examining the issue of mobility for experienced teachers and new entrants in the teaching profession; the way in which he plans to improve career mobility for new and existing teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6762/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The teacher Unions have recently raised the issue of further mobility of both Primary and Post Primary teachers at the Teacher Conciliation Council (TCC).

The TCC  is part of the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers and was set up to deal with claims and proposals relating to the Terms and Conditions of employment of teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

As the proceedings of the TCC are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the implementation of a bursary initiative to attract graduates into initial teacher education in key subject areas such as STEM and languages will be considered. [6763/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Over 5,000 additional teachers have been successfully recruited in the last two years and the numbers of graduates from initial teacher education programmes have remained broadly constant. In both 2018 and 2019 it is estimated that the number of graduates will be in the region of 1,850 primary and 1,500 post primary teachers.

The Deputy will be aware that in November 2017 I launched a STEM Policy Statement and Implementation Plan, which aims to make Ireland the best in Europe in STEM by 2026. This Policy Statement focusses on the many strengths in STEM education in Ireland while providing a roadmap to address the areas for development.

Late last year I also launched the Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education and Implementation Plan, which set out a roadmap to put Ireland in the top ten countries in Europe for the teaching and learning of foreign languages, through a number of measures targeted at improving proficiency, diversity and immersion. 

In order to deliver on the ambitions we have set for STEM and foreign languages, we will need to increase teacher supply in key priority areas. At post primary level, we are considering the introduction of subject quotas in ITE programmes. We are also considering the introduction of “top up” or conversion courses to upskill teachers. I have also announced that I want to double the number of places on undergraduate course to train second level teachers, particularly in areas like STEM. Many of these courses are already offered in STEM subjects.

I intend shortly to establish a Teacher Supply Steering Group to develop a strategy for teacher supply.  As part of its remit, the Group will consult with key stakeholders and will consider all options to increase teacher supply in priority areas.

I will also ask the Teaching Council to review subject criteria and processes for assessing out of state qualifications and to engage more with graduate fairs, and final year students.