I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 528 together.
As previously advised in PQ number 5262/24 and also PQ number 6258/24, the criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the 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 overseas teaching service, both within, and without, the EU. Where a school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made.
Criteria such as 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. Teachers must be on the Department’s payroll or teaching in an Education and Training Board school before an application can be processed.
Irish persons abroad may locate departmental circulars including incremental credit circulars on the Department’s website. Also Teacher Unions are members of the Teachers Conciliation Council who are responsible for incremental credit circulars. When incremental credit circulars are published, management bodies and teacher unions are also advised of their issue date.
With regard to the individual person referred to, two applications for incremental credit have been received from this teacher. An outcome letter has issued with regard to the first application. The second application was received in my Department in the last fortnight and is being processed by the relevant unit of my Department. A decision will issue from my Department once the processing of the application has been completed.