Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Teaching Council does not recognise two postgraduate courses as suitable qualifications to be a maths teacher here (details supplied); if she will instruct the Teaching Council to recognise these courses in view of the importance of maths teachers having specific qualifications in the teaching of maths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26067/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Teaching Council is the body with responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession in this State, including the recognition of qualifications for teacher registration.

My officials have made enquiries with the Teaching Council regarding this matter. The situation is as follows: Admission to the register of teachers is governed by the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009, which were approved by the Minister for Education and Science in November 2009. In terms of post-primary registration (Regulation 4), applicants must hold a degree carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, gained following a course of study of at least 3 years, which enables the holder to teach at least one curricular subject. The Teaching Council's view is that the qualifications referred to in this question, from NUI Maynooth, do not meet these requirements. However, the Council has indicated to NUI Maynooth that holders of undergraduate qualifications in Mathematics (who do not meet the Council's requirements), in addition to the NUI Higher Diploma in Mathematics, could be considered on an individual basis for registration purposes. The Council is currently carrying out a Review of programmes of initial teacher education in the State.