asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the numbers of unemployed teachers in Northern Ireland, teacher vacancies currently being advertised in Northern Ireland, newly trained teachers anticipated to leave college in 1977, and unemployed teachers who took advantage of his recently announced retraining scheme.
In December 1976, 370 persons were registered with the Department of Manpower Services as unemployed teachers. The figure for March 1977 is not yet available but is expected to be significantly lower.Since responsibility for advertising vacancies in schools rests with the appropriate school authorities it is not possible to give precise information about the number of vacancies currently being advertised.1,169 students are expected to complete courses of teacher training at Northern Ireland institutions in 1977.150 unemployed teachers are taking advantage of the supplementary training scheme, and some 50 additional temporary teaching posts and some 30 additional permanent teaching posts were created early this year. An additional 600 permanent teaching posts will be available to schools in Northern Ireland from September 1977.