Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 245: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the qualification system for primary teachers is changing in 2012; his plans to assist teaching graduates who have not been able to get full-time positions and complete their diplomas under the current system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 are set out in Circular 58/2010. I hope that these arrangements will make it easier for newly qualified teachers to complete probation.

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.