Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023
109. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will clearly outline the reason time spent teaching in private secondary schools (details supplied) is not reckonable as experience for increments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7498/23]
View answer111. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason a primary school (details supplied) complies with the eligibility criteria for incremental credit for teachers while the secondary school does not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7497/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 111 together.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in my Department’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service outside the EU where the schools satisfy the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit. In particular at post primary level, criteria such as if the school receives state funding and the length of time the school has been in existence must be satisfied in order for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit. Where schools do not satisfy the required criteria, then service at that school cannot be considered towards incremental credit.
My Department's records show that there were a number of awards for incremental credit relating to Primary teacher applications for service at this school. At Post Primary, level no awards for incremental credit at this school were given as the school did not comply with the eligibility criteria in the circular.
A number of claims have been submitted at TCC in relation to incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU and this claim is under consideration at TCC.
