Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1003. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is in full compliance with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 of 5 April 2022 on the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; if she will set out a list of the professional qualifications or professions recognised under the aegis of her Department; if Ukrainian qualifications are now recognised in each case; if electronic applications can be made for such recognition; the web address or email address to which such applications should be sent, or if physical application is necessary; and the exact procedures and address for such applications. [29977/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The teaching profession is the only profession falling under my Department's responsibility in terms of formal recognition of qualifications. I can advise the Deputy that 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. It acts in the interests of the public good while upholding and enhancing standards in the teaching profession.

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. It is a requirement under Section 30 of the Act for teachers to be registered with the Teaching Council in order to receive payment from State funds.

The Teaching Council has developed a tailored registration process to support the registration of qualified Ukrainian teachers who have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, and that process is in line with the requirements of the Commission Regulation. At least one Ukrainian teaching qualification has already been recognised.

A dedicated email, ukrainianteachers@teachingcouncil.ie has been set up to support applicants, with processing of applications received underway.

By way of background, on 5th April 2022, the European Commission published Recommendation (EU) 2022/554 concerning the recognition of qualifications for people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This recommendation addresses the access of those fleeing the war to regulated professions. It provides Member States' authorities with guidance and practical advice to ensure a quick, fair and flexible recognition process. Its stated goal is to help those fleeing the war to find a path to meaningful employment, while facilitating their integration. The Recommendation, inter alia, encourages Member States to:

- reduce the formalities for recognition of professional qualifications to a minimum;

- speed up the process by putting in place fast-track procedures for handling applications of professionals enjoying temporary protection;

- ensure that only essential documents are required;

- accept other forms of proof than original documents (e.g. digital copies);

- dispense with certain requirements, e.g. not asking for certified translations.

To support the implementation of this Recommendation, the European Commission is hosting a number of focused meeting with EU Member States. Ireland has been represented at these meetings by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, as part of its national coordination role for Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications.

This work with the European Commission is ongoing in relation to the recognition of professional qualifications of Ukrainian people in Ireland to ensure an EU-wide appropriate response.