Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action that can be taken for persons who are caught in a situation (details supplied); the way this matter will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31619/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I consider that in the case of primary school teacher training it is essential that participants applying for the post graduate course meet the required criteria, as currently set down, which are common to all Colleges of Education that provide teacher training, and which include an honours level primary degree (a degree at Level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework) and a minimum of a Grade C3 at Higher Level in Irish in the Leaving Certificate or an approved equivalent.

I have indicated my intention to commence Section 30 of Teaching Council Act later this year. Thereafter only registered teachers will be entitled to be paid on an ongoing or open-ended basis. I also intend to provide for the use of unregistered personnel where this is a last resort for schools and work is ongoing in my Department to formulate the best manner in which this can be time limited. The move to mandatory registration of teachers will be an important factor in progressively ensuring a fully qualified and registered teaching cohort.