Teaching Council of Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (789)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

789. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that the Teaching Council had compelled persons to pay registration fees before the commencement of section 30 of the Teaching Council Act; if she has sought clarity from the Teaching Council on the matter; and if this practice is permissible. [46939/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since 2006, under the Teaching Council Act, the Teaching Council is the independent self regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. In accordance with Section 23 of that Act, the Council charges a fee for registration.

The fee for renewal of registration, which was already low in comparison with that for registration as a member of other professions, was reduced to €65 per annum from 1 January 2013. It has since remained at that level.

If a person received registration as a teacher with the Teaching Council the issue of refund of the fee would not arise.