SHORTALL SLAMS SCRAPPING OF BALLYMUN TEACHER SUPPLY PANEL
Issued : Thursday 22 April, 2010
The decision by Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan to scrap the Teacher Supply Panel in Ballymun is nothing short of an attack on some of the most disadvantaged children in the country.
I would like to acknowledge particular success of the supply panel in Ballymun, and I am aware that the teachers involved, who are all qualified and vetted, have become part and parcel of the school community in the area.
In the past it has proven difficult for schools in some disadvantaged areas, to secure the services of qualified substitute teachers. The Ballymun Supply Panel addressed that in a very effective way, which has meant that schools in the area have been able to fill short-term vacancies promptly, as they arise.
Indeed, there is a strong case to be made for expanding the panel, rather than scrapping it! This scheme underwent a rigorous review in 2003 and was found to be working very well. Cutting the panel will inevitably lead to a greater workload for school principals, at a time when they are already swamped.
It is unclear what, if any savings can be made by getting rid of the Supply Panel.
Parents, teachers and school managers are outraged by this shocking attack on their community.
I raised this matter with the Minister on the Adjournment of the Dail today.
