Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in respect of a teacher (details supplied) who qualified in the Northern Ireland in secondary school training where this training is recognised as covering primary and secondary training; if the Teaching Council of Ireland recognises such training here; if it covers primary teaching in schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21687/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Teaching Council has had responsibility for registering teachers since its establishment on 28 March, 2006. My Department does not have any involvement in this process.

When an applicant for registration applies to the Teaching Council with a qualification other than those automatically recognised by the Council (previously by the Department of Education and Science), their qualifications are assessed against established criteria previously drawn up by the Department and subsequently adopted by the Teaching Council.

From a teacher education perspective, specifically in the areas of professional/curriculum studies and teaching practice, the criteria are broken down by sector — Primary and Post Primary — each focusing on the teaching of the specific age ranges 4-12 years (Primary) and 12-18 years (Post Primary). If the teacher in question meets the requirements for the Primary sector, he or she may be recognised as a primary school teacher for the purposes of registration with the Teaching Council.