Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 1

Written Answers. - Recognition of Educational Qualifications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

106 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education if he will outline, (1) the steps which must be taken to validate the qualifications of a British national, who holds a single-subject degree from a British university, and who has had extensive teaching experience in the United Kingdom, in order to allow him teach in primary and secondary schools here, (2) whether nationals of other EC countries with single-subject degrees are effectively prevented from obtaining teaching positions here owing to minimum qualification requirements and (3) whether there are EC regulations regarding harmonisation of the recognition of educational qualifications for teaching purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

EC Regulation 89/48 on the mutual recognition of qualifications in member states came into force on 1 January 1991. Under this regulation, a person who is a qualified teacher in one member state should, in principle, be regarded as qualified for recognition as a teacher in each member state of the Community. The regulation provides for an adaptation period, not exceeding three years, where the "competent authority" has the opportunity to identify any shortfalls in the qualifications. The "competent authority" in Ireland is the Registration Council for secondary teachers in the case of post-primary teachers and the Department itself in the case of primary teachers.

A person seeking recognition as a teacher in Ireland under Regulation 89/48 should make application to the appropriate authority as indicated above.