Legal rush to avoid disruption to schools

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan will have to rush through law in the coming months to allow the Teaching Council to continue vetting thousands of teachers for substitution work and avoid chaos in the running of schools.

While the Department of Justice is ready to begin changes to vetting legislation, putting the system of Garda clearance for anyone working with children on a statutory basis, the Department of Education is concerned about the potential for a hugely disruptive effect on schools.

It is particularly concerned for the situation when substitute teachers are engaged, as each short-term employment would require a new vetting clearance.