Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

John Bruton

Question:

105 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will afford recognition as trained teachers in primary schools to all teachers from Northern Ireland who have attained the B.Ed standard; if not, if he will continue to confine this recognition to those who attended the Catholic teacher training college; and his views on whether this policy is consistent with good community relations. [17471/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

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 on a provisional basis 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.

I should point out that not all teachers who attain the B. Ed. standard in St Mary's College, Belfast, may be recognised as fully qualified for primary teaching in this jurisdiction; only those who have taken Irish as a main degree subject for the B.Ed. degree may be recognised as fully qualified. It has also been agreed in principle that St. Mary's would organise a course in professional Irish for those of its students who wish to qualify to teach in the Republic but do not have Irish as a main B.Ed. degree subject. Students who successfully complete this course would also be fully recognised to teach in national schools in the Republic.

Applications for similar recognition for their graduates from other teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland will be given full consideration by my Department.