asked the Minister for Education if he will indicate the basis on which recognition of teaching service abroad is given to graduates of Irish universities who desire to work in the Republic of Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching Services Recognition.
25.
In the matter of recognising teaching service given abroad no distinction is made between graduates of Irish universities and other qualified teachers.
To assist developing countries up to four years credit may be allowed to lay teachers for service in a large number of these countries.
To assist teachers of modern continental languages to improve their knowledge of these languages up to two years credit may be allowed for service in certain European countries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the method of dealing with this problem is extremely selective? When they return, are these people, who are teachers of modern languages and who work in developing countries, the best trained that there are?
The Deputy will realise that the exception in respect of developing countries is not on the basis of the training teachers receive in these countries but is on the basis of the contribution we can make towards the development of these countries.
Which developing countries?
I cannot say.
Is there any reason for the Parliamentary Secretary's inability in this regard?
There is very special classification in this area.
Are we to take it from the reply that the Department have no intention of allowing credit for teaching service abroad other than in the areas he has mentioned?
That is the position.
From what we have been told is it not clear that the Department of Education have no regard to the quality of the people who return but have regard only to where they come from? There is not the slightest doubt that people who teach in England and Scotland are much better qualified because of the fact that education is much better there than it is in the developing countries. Therefore, the Department are paying people for work they are not capable of doing.
There is no implication that teachers who are trained here at any level need to go abroad to be trained to teach in our schools. Therefore, we do not have to rely on qualifications given in other countries. There are certain areas in which inducements may be offered.
Is it the position that the nature of experience is of no importance whatsoever?
The Deputy is reading too much into this.
Is there a list of developing countries in existence?
The Deputy could be furnished with a reply to any question of that nature.