Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
346. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if there has been a change in the post-qualification employment requirement to have 200 hours teaching experience for a teacher to be recognised; if so, the reason that it was changed; the effect this will have on Irish teachers working in non-European Union locations such as the United Arab Emirates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12941/22]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State. The Teaching Council registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.
Droichead, the Teaching Council’s integrated professional induction framework for newly qualified teachers, has been implemented on a phased basis since 2016. Since September 2020, Droichead is the only route of induction for all teachers. Thus, the traditional process of Post Qualification Experience (PQE) for post-primary teachers has been phased out and has not been entered as an option on a teacher’s registration since September 2020. For teachers who are currently registered with the Council with the condition of PQE, this option will remain on their registration.
Teachers intending to work overseas prior to completing their induction requirements should contact the Teaching Council for advice specific to their situation. They are also advised to contact the relevant authority in the country in which they intend to work, to determine the registration requirements in place in that country.
