I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 to 198, inclusive, together.
The criteria for the award of Incremental Credit to recognised primary and post-primary teachers under Circulars 10/2001, 29/2007 and 29/2010 was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council. This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Education and Skills and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
In accordance with Circular 12/55 Incremental Credit was originally introduced in the vocational sector to attract candidates with a good standard of general education together with the necessary trade and supervisory experience. The provision of Incremental Credit for relevant non-teaching experience was extended to all teachers on the common basic scale under Circular Letter 4/80.
My Department receives approximately 300 applications for Incremental Credit on an annual basis for relevant non-teaching experience. The majority of such applications are from the Post Primary sector. Under the criteria for the Primary sector the service given must have been relevant to primary teaching and in the Post Primary sector the experience must be demonstrated by the teacher, to be directly relevant to the requirements of the post to which the teacher has been appointed.
In assessing applications for Incremental Credit in respect of relevant non-teaching it has always been the initial teaching post that is considered. Where applicants do not meet the criteria of the scheme their applications are refused.
Where a decision is made to limit or refuse to award credit in respect of a claim a recognised teacher may appeal to a committee comprised of representatives of teacher unions, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and is chaired by an Independent Chairperson. The Appeals Committees act in accordance with theirs Terms of Reference.
The criteria for the Incremental Credit Scheme for Special Needs Assistants (SNA) in Primary and Post Primary sector are set out in Circular 139/2006. The experience must be demonstrated by the SNA to be directly relevant to the requirements of the post to which the SNA has been appointed.