Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when her Department proposes to grant full recognition to the qualifications of Montessori trained teachers, thereby entitling them to holiday pay, sick leave and eligibility for pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33761/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Two Montessori qualifications are currently recognised for the purpose of appointment to the following posts in primary schools: resource teaching posts, special classes and special schools. The two recognised qualifications are (i) the three-year full-time course in the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) College, Mount St. Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14 and (ii) the HETAC accredited B.A. in Montessori Education or B.A. (Hons.) in Montessori Education in St. Nicholas Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire. Teachers with Montessori qualifications recognised by my Department are also eligible to work as substitute teachers in mainstream primary schools.

The categories of special schools and classes in which these teachers may teach are further outlined in Part 4 Circular 25/00. The Deputy may be aware that, with effect from 28th March, 2006, the Teaching Council is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for the regulated profession of primary teacher.