Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

195 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational reasons an EPT in a voluntary secondary, community or comprehensive school requires the Higher Diploma in Education or equivalent; the reason a teaching qualification is not required in the vocational sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19474/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The requirements for appointment as a teacher in the vocational sector are set out in memorandum V7, as amended from time to time by Department circular.

While teachers in the vocational sector are not currently required to have a general teaching qualification, in practice, the majority of teachers now entering the sector have a professional qualification.

The question of standardising the requirements for appointment as a teacher in the second level sector generally is one which should appropriately be considered by the Teaching Council when it is established.