Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The Government was obliged to make decisions across the budgetary framework for reasons that are all too evident to everyone present in the Chamber. Ireland is highly fortunate in that, unlike our nearest neighbours and other European Union countries, gaining entry to any of its five primary school teacher colleges necessitates being in the top 15% of the leaving certificate honours and points outcomes. As an incredibly high level of achievement is required, very bright people are entering the colleges and as the phenomenon dates back over many decades, I do not suggest for one moment this is due to this Administration or its predecessor. Teaching is well regarded in Ireland, which is a major advantage. This is not the case in other countries because they are not as well paid, not as well regarded and do not have what one might call the same professional or social status.

Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act will be activated later this year on the enactment of the Education (Amendment) Bill 2012 which is going through the House. This will enable the Teaching Council to ensure that only teachers who are registered with it will be paid a State salary. Such teachers will be obliged to re-register each year and will have to provide proof of continual professional development. This will ensure that the cohort of teachers already in place will be upskilled. To a certain extent, this particular provision will no longer be necessary. However, we will be considering how to ensure that graduates who obtain jobs in primary schools will pursue other postgraduate qualifications. Continuing professional development is a requirement among all the professions, including those which relate to doctors and other medical personnel, lawyers, architects, etc. Teachers are going to be obliged to pursue such development as well.

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