Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
250. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education given the shortage of teaching staff, if her department is willing to allow those who have a level 8 qualification in early years education to teach in primary schools up to level of 2nd class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
Department of Education regulations allow for the appointment of an unregistered person by a school in limited exceptions where a school has been unable to appoint a registered teacher in accordance with the normal appointment procedures.
An unregistered person must hold at least a level 7 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (within the meaning of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012).
While my Department continues to engage closely with the school management bodies, teacher unions and other education stakeholders on developing measures aimed to improve the availability of teachers, and to identify additional measures which can be taken, it is not currently intended to amend the regulations covering the appointment of an unregistered person.
