Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

James McDaid

Ceist:

21 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her policy in relation to the recognition here of diplomas and other qualifications which were obtained in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23056/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There are two aspects to this question. The first is the recognition of teaching qualifications obtained in Northern Ireland by the Minister for Education, as the designated authority under the EU General System Directive, for all teachers except registered secondary school teachers where the designated authority is the Secondary Teachers Registration Council, acting with the approval of the Minister. The second is the recognition given by third level institutions here of diplomas and other qualifications obtained in Northern Ireland.

In relation to the recognition of teaching qualifications the position is that under the first EU General System Directive (89/48/EEC) persons who are fully qualified as teachers in any member state of the EU are entitled to practise their profession in any other member state. This entitlement is subject generally to the terms of the directive which includes compensatory mechanisms where there are substantial differences in the scope and/or content of training.

Since 1 September 1996 teachers from any member state, subject to their qualifications being in order, are entitled to take up positions on a temporary basis for two years in primary schools in order to give them time to attain the necessary Irish language qualification. The requirement to successfully complete the Scrúdú Cáilíochta na Gaeilge is not a barrier to mobility but a reflection of the constitutional position of Irish in the integrated primary curriculum. Arrangements have been made to help teachers obtain the required qualification.

The second aspect of this question concerns the recognition or credit given by third level institutions here of qualifications obtained in Northern Ireland. All third level institutions in the Republic are autonomous in academic matters. It is a matter for college authorities to decide what recognition, if any, they will give to a qualification granted in another institution, whether that institution is within the State or not.

If the Deputy has any specific concern in this area which he would like to convey to me I will arrange to have the matter investigated.