Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills that due to high levels of unemployment amongst young teachers, his plans to review the process of teacher training in order that more time is allowed for trainees to complete their HDIP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15535/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I understand the question to relate to the probationary process for primary teachers.

The Teaching Council has been informed that the relevant sections of the Teaching Council Act 2001 will be commenced no later than 1 September 2012. The Council has begun to consider the procedures and criteria for the induction and probation of primary and post-primary teachers that the Council would wish to implement.

Transitional arrangements for probation of primary teachers were put in place by my Department last year. These were set out in Circular 58/2010.

If a registered teacher is unable to complete the requirements of a registration condition within the specified period, the teacher may apply to the Council for an extension to that period in the year in which it is due to expire. Information on this process is available on the Teaching Council website.