Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
133. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in respect of the award of incremental credit to teachers at second level, relevant non-teaching experience is taken into account; if those teachers who were previously self-employed can be considered for the increment; and if not, his plans to review the provisions to allow for this. [7885/18]
View answerThe criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised post-primary teachers under Circular 29/2007 were 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 & Skills and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The Circular provides that incremental credit may be awarded to teachers in an Oireachtas funded post for previous Relevant Non-Teaching Experience where certain conditions are met, including that the service must have been remunerated under a whole-time contract of employment. This precludes self-employment.
A teacher, whose application for the award of incremental credit in respect of relevant non-teaching service has been refused by my Department, may submit an appeal to an independent appeals board that is established by my Department in accordance with the terms of Agreed Report 10/2000 of the Conciliation Council for Teachers.
