The teacher exchange scheme provides a facility for primary teachers to voluntarily exchange with a teacher in another school. The minimum period for which an exchange may occur is one year and the maximum is five years.
The exchange scheme was agreed under the auspices of the Teacher's Conciliation Council, a body established in accordance with the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission. Any changes to the exchange scheme are therefore a matter for consideration in the first instance at the Teachers' Conciliation Council.