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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1987

Vol. 375 No. 4

Written Answers. - Recognition of Teaching Qualifications.

243.

asked the Minister for Education the present position in regard to the recognition of the teaching qualifications of Irish-trained primary teachers in (a) each EC country (b) the United States (c) Canada (d) Australia (e) New Zealand (f) Hong Kong (g) Sweden (h) Norway and (i) Finland; and the recognition granted by Ireland to primary teaching qualifications in each of these countries.

I am not aware of recognition being accorded to the teaching qualifications of Irish-trained primary teachers in any of the countries mentioned, except in the special European Schools of the European Community where exceptional arrangements apply. However, the EC is at present considering a draft directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, with the possible inclusion of teacher qualifications, which may lead in time to greater recognition for Irish primary teacher qualification in other member states. In the case of Great Britain, there are on—going discussions between my Department and the Department of Education and Science in London regarding the recognition of our qualifications for employment there. The position with regard to the recognition in this country of primary teachers trained outside the State is that applications are assessed on an individual basis. Recognition may be granted to persons who have completed satisfactorily a recognised primary teacher training course acceptable to my Department and who have passed An Scrúdú le haghaidh Cáilíocht sa Ghaeilge, both written and oral.

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