Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
231. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason new entrants into the teaching profession have to pay a teacher registration fee of €90 whereas the fee for existing teachers is €65; if this is not placing an unfair burden on new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teaching Council's fee for renewal of registration was reduced from €90 to €65 from 1 January 2013. The fee for initial registration remains at €90; I am advised by the Teaching Council that this reflects the greater administrative costs associated with initial registration as opposed to annual renewal of registration. These include acting as a conduit for the Garda Vetting process and determining that applicants' qualifications meet the Council's standards for entry into the profession. Both fees, as the Deputy may be aware, are substantially lower than for many other professions.
The Teaching Council keeps all matters concerning registrants, such as fees, under review.
