There are 453 teachers in primary schools currently paid at the untrained rate.
All teachers are paid on a common basic incremental scale. A teacher whose initial training consists of a three year training course will be placed on the second point of the scale, while those with four years or more full-time training commence on the third point of the scale. Qualified primary teachers who are appointed to temporary or permanent teaching posts may apply to my Department for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service abroad, or in respect of relevant non teaching service.
A claim for a living in Dublin allowance has not been submitted by the teacher unions. If such a claim were submitted it would be considered by the Teachers Conciliation Council.
Teachers with the Montessori qualification, which is awarded on successful completion of the three year full-time course in the Association Montessori Internationale College, Milltown or in St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, which is recognised by the NCEA, are recognised to teach in special schools and in special classes in mainstream primary schools. They are also regarded as qualified for resource teaching posts for pupils with special needs and for substitute teaching service in mainstream primary schools.
The existing pre-service training of primary teachers is being reviewed at present. Following completion of that review, it is proposed to put in place a review of the recognition of Montessori trained teachers as primary school teachers.
There are no plans to establish a course to enable untrained persons who have served primarily in a substitute capacity to obtain qualifications to deem them suitable for appointment as qualified primary teachers.
