Seán Barrett
Ceist:22 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has for changes in the rewards for teachers who undertake extra skills development to improve their teaching. [16147/00]
Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.
The pay structure for teachers currently provides for the payment of additional allowances on receipt of certain academic qualifications. In addition, paid leave of absence may be allowed to teachers to pursue courses of study which are regarded as beneficial to the teacher and the educational needs of the pupils in the particular school concerned. At primary level, teachers who attend approved courses of study during the summer may be allowed extra personal vacation days.
I recently announced that tax relief will now be available for postgraduate fees paid in publicly funded colleges here and in other EU member states as well as in private colleges in the State. The new tax relief will be available to full-time and part-time postgraduate students and will include distance education courses offered by publicly funded colleges in other EU member states.
My Department also administers a refund of fees scheme for primary and post-primary teachers towards course and examination fees incurred by them in the successful completion of in-career development courses approved by the Department and school authorities. In the current year a fund of £210,000 has been made available in respect of courses, or individual years of courses, completed in 1999. Over 400 teachers benefited under this scheme in 1998.