Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Teaching Qualifications.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

400 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department accepts a student who trained as a teacher in Wales to teach here either at primary or secondary level; and, if so, if these teachers are paid the maximum rate of pay. [23414/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department currently operates a scheme of provisional recognition at primary level whereby individuals who are recognised as fully qualified primary teachers in the United Kingdom or other EU member states may be appointed to a post in a primary school for a period of three years in advance of acquiring the Irish language qualification. On attainment of the Irish language qualification, such teachers are then recognised as fully qualified primary teachers in this State. During the period of provisional recognition these teachers are remunerated at either the qualified substitute teacher rate or at a rate which currently stands at £13,431 per annum. On becoming fully recognised, these teachers have the teachers' common basic scale applied retrospectively in respect of any service as a temporary assistant.

Persons who are recognised as fully qualified second-level school teachers in the United Kingdom or other EU member states may be granted provisional recognition at second level in this State. In order to qualify for full recognition, such teachers must make up any substantial shortfalls identified in their qualifications by means of either passing an aptitude test or completing an adaptation period not exceeding three years and must satisfy the Irish langauge requirement. A second level teacher who does not satisfy the Irish language requirement at the time of appointment may be appointed provisionally to a teaching position subject to his-her obtaining the appropriate qualification within a period of three years. Pending full recognition, the teachers concerned are paid at the rate of pay equivalent to that of a probationery teacher.