Wallace raises Gael Coláiste query re Teacher Panels

Mary Wallace TD has asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan the way the teacher panel transfer operates in the Vocational Education Committee in relation to bypassing the panel system to ensure that all teachers appointed to a Gael Coláiste have the ability to teach their subject in Irish. 

For example if the Gael Coláiste requires a Maths teacher and the existing VEC panel contained Maths teachers whose ability was to teach in English instead of as Gaeilge, would the VEC be in a position in such circumstances to by-pass the panel system to ensure that the Maths teacher appointed is in a position to teach maths as Gaeilge

Deputy Wallace has been advised that each Vocational Education Committee (VEC) is an independent statutory body established under the Vocational Education Act 1930 that the Department of Education and Skills has no direct involvement in the deployment of teachers within individual VECs. 

Deputy Wallace was further advised that teacher allocations to all VECs are approved annually by the Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment and, in accordance with these rules, each VEC is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.

The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are a matter for the individual VECs.

The query had been raised with Deputy Wallace on behalf of Gael Coláiste throughout Ireland and the endeavours being made at present to encourage the development of education through Irish at post primary level in order to further promote the Irish Language.

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