Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial remuneration for each board member of the Teaching Council; the frequency with which membership of the board changes; if his Department is the employer of the Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8999/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State. The work of the Teaching Council is grounded in the values of professionally led regulation, shared professional responsibility and collective professional confidence.

The Teaching Council Acts (section 8) provide that the Teaching Council is constituted as follows:

- 11 primary teachers, nine of whom are elected and two of whom are teacher union nominees

- 11 post-primary teachers, seven of whom are elected and four of whom are teacher union nominees

- 4 members nominated by Higher Education Institutions providing teacher education

- 4 members nominated by school management organisations (two primary and two post-primary)

- 2 members nominated by parents’ associations (one primary and one post-primary)

- 5 members nominated by the Minister for Education and Skills, including one representing each of IBEC and ICTU.

The term of office of each member is limited to a maximum of 4 years. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

The Teaching Council pays expenses to Council members for travel to Council-related meetings. Aside from travel and subsistence expenses, no fees are paid to members of the Council.

The Teaching Council is self-financing (via registration fees) and is staffed by public servants. The Council works in partnership with the Department, higher education institutions, school authorities, teachers and other partners in education to maintain and enhance the quality of teaching in the State.