Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
905. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to secondary school teachers returning from the Middle East having taught in private schools being unable to claim their experience on the incremental scheme; if she will take action to address this in order to allow this experience to be registered given that primary school teachers can do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to your correspondence in relation to an enquiry from a post primary teacher concerning their previous teaching service in the United Arab Emirates.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education. The Council is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
My Department’s incremental credit circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 detail the application process with regard to post-primary teachers.
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit for service given within the EU. While the circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service in private primary schools outside the EU, no provision is made for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service given in private post primary schools outside of the European Union.
Arrangements for the award of incremental credit for post primary teachers are outlined in Circular 29/2007, and any changes in eligibility would have to be negotiated through the Teachers Conciliation Council.
The teachers unions have lodged a number of claims at TCC about incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU. This issue is still under consideration at TCC.
