Vol. 538 No. 3
341 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in processing the application for recognition of teaching qualifications of a teacher trained in the Netherlands; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18173/01]
Teachers trained in another member state of the European Union, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification, must have their qualifications assessed and accepted by my Department before they are granted a five year period of provisional recognition to teach in national schools.
In addition, to be eligible for recognition as a teacher in any capacity in national schools applicants must be competent to teach English and to teach the various aspects of the curriculum through the medium of the English language. My Department reserves the right to require applicants to establish their competence in the English language through a test conducted and assessed by a departmental inspector.
In the case referred to by the Deputy it was necessary to conduct such a test, which added to the time required to complete the assessment process.
I am pleased to state that this assessment process has now been completed and a letter confirming the granting of provisional and restricted recognition as a primary teacher will be issuing to the applicant shortly.
