Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 475: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 481 of 15 June 2010, if a university (details supplied) teaching degree qualifications are recognised by the Teaching Council here; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26609/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in PQ 481 of 15 June 2010, the Teaching Council is the designated competent authority, under European Union legislation, for the recognition and assessment of qualifications and the registration of teachers at Primary and Post - Primary levels in this State. My officials have made enquiries with the Teaching Council and are advised that Queen's University, Belfast have not applied to have the PGCE recognised.

The Teaching Council has a statutory responsibility to cooperate with its equivalent organisation in Northern Ireland (the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI)) and there is ongoing communication between the two Councils. My Department understands that the Teaching Council intends to meet with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland in the near future to further discuss the area of cross-border recognition of qualifications.