Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to people who feel aggrieved by their treatment by the Teaching Council; if there is any oversight of the activities of the Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15805/14]
View answerSince March 2006, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the recognition of teaching qualifications and the registration of teachers. Neither I, nor my Department, are involved in dealing with individual registration queries or applications. There are a number of avenues of appeal open to a person who is unhappy with a decision of the Council in relation to teacher qualifications. These include internal appeal mechanisms and challenging a decision of the Council in the High Court. In addition, the Council comes under the remit of the Ombudsman, whose function it is to investigate complaints from members of the public who believe that they have been unfairly treated by certain public bodies. I am satisfied that the Teaching Council's own procedures and the processes of accountability which are enshrined in legislation are comprehensive, appropriate and adequate.
