Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
375. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) who is completing the person's studies in the UK can register as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland to allow the person to progress the person's career at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31408/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. It acts in the interests of the public good while upholding and enhancing standards in the teaching profession.
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
It is a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher.
A person having obtained teacher education qualifications outside the State can apply to register with the Teaching Council and will have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable and equivalent to accredited qualifications in Ireland.
The Teaching Council assesses overseas qualifications in accordance with the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016, and Teaching Council Current Subject Requirements (Post-Primary) 2017.
All applications are individually assessed in a holistic manner to ensure that qualifications are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited programmes in Ireland. Where significant differences arise, conditions (qualification shortfalls) will be applied to the teacher's registration.
It is important to be aware that the processing time for overseas applications, as outlined on the Teaching Council website, is approximately 12 weeks from the time all of the required documentation is received, and not necessarily when the initial application is made.
The individual referred to by the Deputy should follow the information and guidance published on the Teaching Council of Ireland website and engage directly with the Council as required.
