Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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835. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has issued guidelines to the Teaching Council with regard to ESL teachers from English language schools that have closed down and ceased trading (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14188/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.

The Teaching Council registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016. The Character Reference and Garda Vetting are two of the key requirements of the “fit and proper person” assessment process under the legislation.

The Teaching Council assure me that where individuals have difficulty in obtaining such a character reference and make contact with the Council outlining their difficulties, the Council will provide guidance specific to their particular situation. This may involve the provision of specific employment references, other character references or a combination. In instances where an applicant for registration meets all the registration requirements and co-operates with the Council in the provision of alternative character reference(s), registration will be progressed. 

Should an individual have any queries regarding their registration I would advise they liaise directly with the Teaching Council.