Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Other than in exceptional circumstances, schools should deploy newly qualified teachers in a mainstream setting. However, in certain circumstances, a newly qualified teacher may complete the Droichead process in an special educational needs setting. As a general rule, paid employment in a permanent, temporary or substitute capacity is eligible. During the past school year, the Teaching Council put in place some special arrangements relating to Covid, on an emergency basis, to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on schools. These short-term measures were put in place from December 2021 until the end of the 2021-22 school year, and included extending Droichead to newly qualified teachers working on supply panels and covering principal release days.

Following a recent review by the Teaching Council, and due to the easing of Covid restrictions, the Teaching Council has advised that these measures have now ceased and are no longer available. However, newly qualified teachers who are affected by this decision are asked to make immediate contact directly with the Teaching Council, which will liaise with them in respect of their particular circumstances and will do so in a sympathetic and sensitive way. The council is working with the Department to help schools and newly qualified teachers employed on supply panels to enable them to complete the Droichead process.

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