Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
361. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the reason such a small proportion of recently appointed teachers were offered full-time contracts and even fewer permanent positions; the steps that could be taken to increase the numbers receiving full-time contracts and being offered permanent positions respectively including the financial implications of same. [42890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.
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.
With regard to fixed term contracts, the recruitment and appointment of teachers is a matter for each school/ETB as employers. Teachers may be recruited on a permanent basis once the school/ETB is within its authorised allocation of teaching posts and the criteria outlined in Department of Education Circulars for filling teaching posts are complied with.
Additionally, arising from the implementation of the recommendations of the Ward Report teachers may also qualify for contracts of indefinite duration. This enables fixed-term and part-time teachers to gain permanent, full-time jobs more easily and quickly than before. The qualifying terms of the Ward Report are set out in Circulars 0023/2015 (Primary) 0024/2015 (Post Primary).
