Micheál Martin
Question:158 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she will grant a higher diploma allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6687/97]
Written Answers. - Higher Diploma Allowances.
The teacher concerned was awarded the educational woodwork teachers certificate of the Department in 1969 following completion of a three year course at the School of Furniture, Cork.
The current qualification allowance structure for teachers derives from agreement reached at the Conciliation Council for Teachers. The terms of the relevant agreement are set out in Agreed Report No. 1 of 1969. However, this report made no provision for the award of any qualification allowance to non-graduate teachers. This situation was catered for under the terms of Department Circular 51/74 which provided for the payment of a primary degree allowance, at pass or honours level as appropriate, subject to the attainment of certain marks in specified subjects.
The teacher concerned is eligible for, and in receipt of, a pass primary degree allowance.
There is no provision for the award of a higher diploma in education allowance to holders of three year concurrent non-graduate qualifications such as that held by the teacher in question.