James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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408. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the significant statutory drop in income for those transferring from Youthreach to VTOS teaching posts with no regard for experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46713/17]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised post-primary teachers is set out by my Department in Circulars 29/2007 and 0029/2010. The criteria is agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) which is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Education & Skills and chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy was a Youthreach Co-ordinator and is now taking up an appointment in a recognised teaching post. In accordance with the criteria and on appointment to a recognised teaching post, incremental credit may be awarded in respect of period(s) of non-teaching service if, among other things, the experience gained is considered to be directly relevant to the requirements of the post to which the teacher has been appointed.

Where a decision is made to limit or refuse to award incremental credit, a recognised teacher may appeal to an appeals committee comprised of representatives of teacher unions, school management, the Department of Education and Skills and chaired by an Independent Chairperson.