Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans regarding the needs of those who cannot afford to register for the Teaching Council this year due to financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39184/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The charging of a registration fee is a standard feature among professional regulatory bodies. To register as a professional reflects an individual's commitment to abide by and uphold certain standards of practice, ethics and qualifications. Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001 to 2012 the Teaching Council may, subject to the consent of the Minister for Education and Skills, charge fees for registration as a teacher. As with other professional regulators, the Council is funded, in the main, by the fees of its members.

The Teaching Council's fee for renewal of registration was reduced from €90 to €65 from 1 January 2013. The fee for initial registration remains at €90; I am advised by the Teaching Council that this reflects the greater administrative costs associated with initial registration, including acting as a conduit for the Garda Vetting process and determining that applicants' qualifications meet the Council's standards for entry into the profession. Both fees, as the Deputy may be aware, are substantially lower than for many other professions.

The Teaching Council keeps all matters concerning registrants, such as fees, under review.