Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the options available for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; if they will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2975/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The arrangements regarding probation of teachers have recently been reviewed and are set out in Circular 58/2010 'Probationary Requirements for Registration Purposes for Primary Teachers' which is available on my Department's website.

Under the Teaching Council Act, 2001, the Council is required to establish procedures and criteria for probation of teachers including periods of probation. Under section 29(6), 'the Council may register a person subject to conditions, including conditions as to probation and such conditions shall be complied with within such period as may be specified by the Council.' Since its establishment in March 2006, the Council has registered all newly qualified primary teachers subject to the condition of probation. The Council is of the view that completion of the probationary process is an important part of being fully registered with the Council. It cannot waive this condition until a suitable probationary or similar induction programme has been completed. However, both the Department of Education and Skills and the Teaching Council are aware that not all primary teachers will find an immediate teaching position in which to complete the probationary process. As a result, the range of situations in which a teacher may be probated has been widened by my Department, in conjunction with the Teaching Council, to include the FÁS Work Placement Programme and service abroad.

The Council is aware that many newly qualified primary teachers have commenced teaching positions in the UK and further afield in recent years without being registered as a teacher with the equivalent authority in the jurisdiction in question. The Council also understands that there is an Overseas Trained Teacher scheme which allows teachers to work in England and/or other countries for a number of years without being registered there. The Deputy may wish to note that the time spent teaching in a primary school in another jurisdiction may count towards the 170-day teaching service requirement for probation in Ireland and the applicant should contact the Teaching Council or Limerick Education Centre directly in this regard.

It is also possible for a teacher to complete an approved* induction programme in another jurisdiction that will meet the requirements of the condition with the Teaching Council in Ireland leading to full registration. In addition, in extenuating circumstances, a teacher may apply to the Council for an extension of the three year period. *approved by the designated/competent authority of that jurisdiction. (e.g.Teaching Council)