Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 752: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused recognition of their degree from Northern Ireland by the Irish Teaching Council, despite the fact that other persons doing this course had their qualification recognised for teaching purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29129/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, 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.

Under Council Directive 2005/36/EC (general system for mutual recognition of professional qualifications), an EU citizen who is recognised as a post-primary teacher by another EU/EEA country may seek similar recognition in Ireland. The same rules of recognition as apply to Irish citizens apply to such applicants. However, while awaiting a final decision on his/her application for full recognition, the teacher will be granted provisional recognition in this country. This will entitle him/her to the same remuneration and conditions of employment as apply to a recognised teacher in Ireland. The suitability of his/her qualifications must still be assessed for post primary teaching in this country.

Where, during the assessment, shortfalls are identified in the courses of study undertaken leading to the academic and professional qualifications held by the applicant, the applicant for recognition will then be required to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the areas of the shortfall. The applicant may choose to address this either by way of an aptitude test or by way of an adaptation period. The aptitude test consists of a written examination in the subjects of the shortfall. The adaptation period is 3 years in the case of degree shortfalls and 15 months in the case of a teacher-training qualification. The provisional recognition will be withdrawn if the chosen option is not completed satisfactorily within the permitted timeframe.

I have made enquiries with the Teaching Council regarding this case and will forward the information I receive to the Deputy as soon as possible.