asked the Minister for Education if she has seen a recent policy document of the Inner London Education Authority on Irish primary school teachers working in London; if she will give her reactions to the conclusions of the document; if she will pursue the position of these teachers on the basis of the EC Directive on Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Diplomas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Teachers in UK.
82.
I have been actively pursuing the position of Irish teachers in the UK and I am in constant communication, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and our London Embassy, with the British authorities in the matter. I have recently met the London-based organisation Working for Irish Teachers (WIT) and have assured them of my full support in the matter of the recognition of their qualifications. To this end, I have arranged to meet Mr. Kenneth Baker, Secretary of State for Education on 8 June.
The EC Directive on a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years duration, must be implemented by all member states by January 1991. My latest information is that the UK authorities intend to implement the Directive in advance of this deadline, with effect from 1 September 1989. I am confident that, on implementation, the Directive will solve the present difficulties experienced by Irish teachers, with three or more years of training, in securing qualified teachers status in the UK.