Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider allowing persons qualified in both primary and post-primary teaching to combine their service at both levels for the purpose of the probationary service requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2357/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Following consultation with teacher unions, school management bodies and the Teaching Council, Circular 0029/2012 was issued by my Department last year. It is available on my Department's website. The circular sets out the conditions which govern the probationary process for primary teachers.

While responsibility for establishing procedures and criteria for the probation of teachers, including service requirements, has transferred to the Teaching Council, the conditions outlined in this circular will continue to pertain until the end of the school year 2012/2013. If a teacher is not being successful in securing the type of employment which is necessary to meet the registration condition in respect of probation/post-qualification experience, he/she may apply in writing to the Council for an extension to the timeframe. The Council's policy with regard to registration with conditions and procedures for seeking extensions are available on the Teaching Council website.

Later this year the Teaching Council intends to publish procedures and criteria for induction and probation which are expected to come into effect in the future.