Vol. 448 No. 6
139 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the category of teachers who are deemed eligible to teach in special schools; the category of teachers specified therein who are debarred from teaching in such schools; and the date on which the circular in question became effective. [2560/95]
Only teachers who are eligible to teach in mainstream national schools, or Montessori teachers whose qualifications are recognised by my Department may be appointed to posts in special schools. Recognition as a teacher in national schools may be granted to persons who have completed satisfactorily a recognised primary teacher training course.
My Department recognises the Mon-tessoir Diploma awarded on successful completion of the three year course at the Montessori College, Mount St. Mary's, Dundrum Road, Milltown, Dublin 14 (formerly Sion Hill). The recognition of persons holding this diploma is confined to appointments in special schools for mentally handicapped, emotionally disturbed and hearing impaired children. The terms of the circular in relation to recognition of teachers and posts in special schools came into effect from 1 September 1992.
