John Bruton
Ceist:210 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she favours the introduction of a formalised system of teacher appraisal similar to that operating in some European countries.
Written Answers. - Teacher Appraisal.
The question of appraisal of primary teachers is one which the Primary Education Review Body is considering as part of their remit and I would not wish to pre-empt their recommendations on the matter by making a statement. I would, however, wish to draw attention to the fact that inspection of the work of teachers is provided for in Rule 161 of the Rules for National Schools and that the procedures therein were revised and up-dated by Circular No. 31/82.
In the case of post-primary teachers, it is a function of inspection to report on teachers performance in schools. Inspection procedures are formalised, in the case of vocational teachers, in my Department's Circular No. 43/85.