Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

374 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider the case of a returned school teacher from Derry with ten years experience in London up to assistant principal level and currently working in Dublin as an eligible part-time teacher with the offer of a permanent teaching post (details supplied). [24841/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Registration Council is a statutory body charged with the making of regulations for the admission of suitably qualified persons to the register of secondary school teachers for the purposes of teaching in voluntary secondary schools.

The person to whom the Deputy refers applied to the Registration Council in July 1999 to have his qualifications recognised for the purpose of teaching in a secondary school. The council approved the application subject to the applicant demonstrating a knowledge of the history and structure of the Irish education system. The applicant was advised of the council's decision by letter dated 16 November 1999. He was granted pro visional recognition in accordance with the provisions of EU Directive 89/48.

In order to satisfy the requirements of the council, the applicant may choose to undergo an aptitude test or an adaptation period not exceeding three years. The relevant aptitude tests are held in May and December each year. I understand that, in this case, the applicant has chosen to undergo the aptitude test. The next test is scheduled to take place on 6 December 1999.