 Fianna Fáil Education Spokesperson Brendan Smith has called on the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to adopt a zero tolerance approach to schools that hire retired teachers in substitute roles. Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Smith stressed the importance of allowing newly qualified graduates to get a foot on the career ladder. He urged Minister Quinn to take measures to ensure that retired teachers no longer prevent this from happening. Deputy Smith said: “The is not simply about the number of substitute positions being taken up by retired teachers, it is also about sending a clear message to young graduates that we will do everything possible to help them begin their careers. “In May, there were 186 retired primary teachers still on the primary payroll and 147 retired post-primary teachers on the post primary payroll, as well has receiving their pensions. This represents 333 teaching posts which should instead be filled by newly qualified graduates who could be gaining experience and getting paid for it. “I welcome Minister Quinn’s comments today that he intends to bring in a panel system for substitute teachers in the Autumn. However he must go further by clearly spelling out to schools that the practise of hiring retired teachers is not acceptable when so many graduates are looking for work.” |
Friday, 08 July 2011 11:07