Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

622. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that teachers who qualified abroad have access to the Droichead framework, in order that they can register with the Teaching Council without completing another professional masters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55542/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Fully qualified teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council. All applications from teachers who qualified abroad are processed in line with EU Directive 2005/36/EC and are assessed in the same manner, regardless of whether they qualified within or outside the EU. All applications are individually assessed.

A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher:

- has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and programme of induction in the country in which they qualified, and

- can provide an official letter from the relevant teacher registration body / Competent Authority or Ministry of Education confirming recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the State/ country.

In accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, the qualifications of teachers who qualified outside of the ROI are assessed to ensure they are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited programmes in Ireland. Where significant differences arise, conditions (qualification shortfalls) will be applied to the teacher's registration.

It is recommended that any teacher who wishes to clarify their particular situation should make contact directly with the Teaching Council. Queries to the Council may be sent by email to qa@teachingcouncil.ie.