Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:130. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the guidelines governing the persons deemed qualified to deliver CPD to teachers. [11720/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 March 2014
Ceisteanna (130, 131)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:131. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered establishing a register of qualified persons to deliver CPD. [11721/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
I have no plans to establish a register of persons qualified to deliver continuing professional development (CPD). In terms of CPD provided by my Department, the general practice is that my Department, through the teacher support services, engages teachers for the provision of CPD on a full time basis through secondment from their schools. These arrangements provide flexibility and ensure that the needs and priorities of the service are met. Given the importance of the teaching experience and expertise required for the role, it is a requirement for teachers to be a) registered with the Teaching Council and b) in a full-time position recognised by my Department in order to be considered eligible for secondment to the support services. The support services recruit as needs arise and these positions are advertised through the national media.
The Deputy might also wish to note that the Teaching Council also has a statutory remit in relation to CPD for teachers. When the relevant section of the Teaching Council Act is commenced, the Council will have a role in reviewing and accrediting programmes of CPD as well as in relation to research on, and promoting the benefits of, CPD.