Teaching Council of Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Questions (489)

Michael McGrath

Question:

489. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of regulation 3 of the Teaching Council registration regulations dealing with those persons who have applied for registration as a teacher on the basis of qualifications as a Montessori or other suitably qualified teacher; if any change to regulation 3 has taken place or will take place; the provisions to be made for those who already hold Teaching Council registration, on the basis of a level 8 qualification in Montessori education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4395/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since 2006, under the Teaching Council Act 2001 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility and authority for regulation of the teaching profession including the registration of teachers.

Teachers are registered under the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009. The Teaching Council recognises undergraduate Montessori qualifications (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) which meet the requirements of Regulation 3 (Montessori and other categories) of the 2009 Regulations.

The Teaching Council is currently reviewing the 2009 regulations and is endeavouring to ensure that teachers who are registered or currently pursuing a programme whose graduates registered under Regulation 3 will not be disadvantaged by any revision. Therefore provision will be made in any forthcoming Registration Regulations for those currently registered with the Council under Regulation 3 on the basis of holding a level 8 Montessori qualification.