Marian Harkin
Question:175 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if specific degrees from the Open University are recognised as qualifications for a teaching post in a secondary school. [14815/03]
Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.
Marian Harkin
Question:176 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if a teacher having a BSc (Hons) in physics from London University, a postgraduate certificate in education from London University and two third level mathematics courses as part of a degree course from the Open University can be considered qualified for a PWT post teaching mathematics in a secondary school. [14816/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
The Open University has not sought recognition of any of its qualifications for the purpose of teaching in secondary schools. It is a matter for the employing school authority to determine, within the guidelines laid down by my Department, whether or not an applicant for a teaching post is adequately qualified for the position as advertised. In the case of vocational education committees and the boards of management of community and comprehensive schools, the guidelines provide that, should the school authority consider an applicant's qualifications to be outside of the guidelines but nonetheless suitable for an advertised post, the school may refer the qualification to my Department for assessment of its suitability for the proposed appointment. If the Deputy provides me with full details of the particular case to which she is referring, I will arrange to have the matter examined as expeditiously as possible.