Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Austin Currie

Question:

412 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he has received representations (details supplied) regarding the position of teachers where degrees and diplomas of education from Northern Ireland universities are recognised for the purposes of appointment to permanent incremental positions but where years of teaching experience in comparable schools in Northern Ireland are not recognised for incremental seniority and the purchase of actual years service purposes; if so, when he will redress this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10594/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

All equivalent teaching service in Northern Ireland is recognised for the award of incremental credit on the teachers' common basic scale. According to my Department's records, the teacher referred to by the Deputy was awarded credit, in respect of her teaching service in Northern Ireland, of four years and 61 days. The award was effective from the commencement of her service in the State in 1974 and recognised, in full, her teaching service in Northern Ireland for this purpose.

The purchase of actual years of service is a superannuation provision and relates to certain teaching service given in the State. While there are no arrangements at present to reckon service given in Northern Ireland under the superannuation provisions for teachers, the question of the transferability, to pension schemes in this jurisdiction, of pensionable service given by teachers in Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom generally, is being examined at present.