I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
The Teaching Council was established in March 2006 to promote teaching as a profession and the professional development of teachers, to maintain and improve the quality of teaching in the State, to provide for the establishment of standards, policies and procedures for the education and training of teachers, to provide for the registration and regulation of teachers and to enhance professional standards and competence.
The Teaching Council became a self funding body from the 28th March 2008. The Council raises its funding, in the main, from teachers' initial registration and renewal of registration fees. There is no annual budget allocation from the State. The Teaching Council has not made any decisions regarding the purchase of new office space or office buildings. In line with the Teaching Council Act 2001, Ministerial consent is required for the Council to borrow money or to acquire, hold or dispose of land or property.