Cecilia Keaveney
Question:167 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the talks ongoing in relation to mutual recognition of education qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16151/03]
Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.
Primary teachers trained outside the jurisdiction of the State, whose teaching qualifications have been assessed and accepted by my Department, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification, are granted a five year period of provisional recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools. Accordingly, applicants must satisfy the Department of Education and Science that they are competent to teach the Irish language and to teach the range of primary school curricular subjects through the medium of Irish, before being granted full recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools. During this period of provisional recognition, these teachers are remunerated in the same manner as fully qualified teachers and are required to work towards achieving the Irish language qualification.
Primary teachers trained outside the jurisdiction of the State are required to submit their qualifications for assessment by my Department. My Department is currently in contact with teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland with a view to simplifying the process of assessment of qualifications of teachers trained in Northern Ireland. Schools will be notified by way of circular of any changes in this regard.