Vol. 504 No. 4
263 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the possibility of further aggravation of the problems for reciprocal recognition of teacher qualifications with Northern Ireland in view of the imminent establishment of separate general teaching councils; and the steps, if any, he plans to take to deal with the difficulties in this area. [11898/99]
My Department acts as the designated authority for the recognition of teacher qualifications in relation to the EU directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
I am satisfied that there are suitable arrangements in place for the recognition in this State of teacher qualifications awarded in Northern Ireland. In this regard, a scheme of provisional recognition operates 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.
Persons who are recognised as fully qualified second level 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 language 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 or her obtaining the appropriate qualification within a period of three years.
I consider that the establishment of teaching councils in both jurisdictions will enhance rather than hinder arrangements for recognition of teacher qualifications.
