Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 5 July 2017, the appeal options a person has in view of the fact that a re-examination of their application for incremental credit has been rejected; if there is an external appeals process that is independent of his Department; his plans to reform the incremental credit scheme to include other work experiences in applications for credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33164/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised post-primary teachers under Circular 29/2007 was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council. This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Education & Skills and is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

The scheme for Incremental Credit, as agreed at the Teachers Conciliation Council, makes no provision for an appeal for teaching service. 

Regarding other work experience Circular 29/2007 provides for the award of incremental credit in respect of Relevant Non-Teaching experience.  Provision is also made for a process to appeal a decision by the Department to refuse an application for incremental credit under the terms of the circular in respect of Relevant Non-Teaching  applications only.

Any further changes to the Circular would have to be agreed by the Teachers Conciliation Council, in the first instance.