Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
120. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plans he has to facilitate teachers without degrees who have been working for the vocational education committee for many years in view of new Teaching Council regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43085/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndividuals without recognised qualifications, who were employed in a teaching position or eligible to be employed in a teaching position in a recognised school at the time of the establishment of the Teaching Council in 2006, were deemed registered with the Teaching Council in its first year. Teachers were advised at the time to seek registration with the Council and to ensure that their registration was maintained. If such persons availed of this entitlement at that time, and subsequently maintained their registration, there is no change to their position. However, I do intend to commence Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 in the current school year. This will ensure that only registered teachers are employed in teaching positions in our schools. I also plan to make separate provision for urgent situations where no registered teacher is available. Notice of the imminent commencement of Section 30, and the Teaching Council's registration requirements, has been in the public domain for some time. Sufficient time has been available for individuals to gain any necessary qualifications. It may also be of relevance to the Deputy's question to point out that Section 30 applies only to persons employed as teachers in recognised schools. It does not apply to persons employed as teachers in other centres for education (e.g. Youthreach, VTOS, Adult Education) or persons employed in recognised schools in a capacity other than a teacher. The Teaching Council Registration Regulations, which are in place since 2009, set out the Council's requirements for registration on the basis of qualifications relevant to the various school sectors. One of the most significant improving measures in these Regulations is the requirement, from April 2013, for all new registrants, including for the VEC and Further Education Sectors, to have a suitable teaching qualification. This brings these sectors in line with longstanding requirements for the primary sector and other post-primary schools. No changes have been made to these Regulations recently. It is my view that all teachers should be appropriately qualified. There has been a requirement for VECs to recruit registered teachers dating back to at least 2006. My advice to individuals who are in doubt is to take this matter up with their employer in the first instance.
