Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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46. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary schools in County Donegal that have reported teacher recruitment issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61068/22]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools in County Donegal that have reported teacher recruitment issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61069/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.

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 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012) and the Department does not collate data on the number of secondary and primary schools with recruitment issues per county.

I am aware that schools are experiencing challenges in recruiting teachers. The Department of Education runs a comprehensive programme of work to support the supply of teachers at both primary and post-primary level and it engages closely with the school management bodies and other education stakeholders to inform this work.

It is acknowledged that despite the implementation of some important actions, which have helped to some extent, work remains to be done to address the teacher supply challenge, particularly to ensure the availability of sufficient substitute teachers. The Department of Education will continue to work closely and intensively with stakeholders on this important matter.