Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

527. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57079/23]

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

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment. The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including a specific one aimed at small schools, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.

The Department provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language. Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils. In considering the level of EAL support to be allocated, the Appeals Board will consider those pupils in the school with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency that have received less than 3 years EAL support.

The allocation of an Administrative Principal is based on the enrolment in the school. The thresholds are set out in Appendix B of Circular 0006/2023. Where a school has achieved the required enrolment on the previous 30th September, the additional position is allocated automatically.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

528. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to review correspondence (detail supplied); and if she can provide an update on this application. [57119/23]

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

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 is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015. There are five routes of registration with the Teaching Council which are namely Route 1: Primary, Route 2: Post-primary, Route 3: Further Education, Route 4: Other and Route 5: Student Teacher. The registration requirements for each route is set out in the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

The Teaching Council have confirmed that all outstanding documentation from the person that the Deputy is referring to in this query, was received on the 18^thof December 2023 and as a consequence the Council was in a position to finalise registration 20^thof December 2023.

The Council on its website advises applicants that overseas qualified applicants can expect applications to take up to 12 weeks to process from receipt of all documentation, and for domestic qualified applicants, 6 to 8 weeks. Of that the vetting process which is required by law can take up to 6 weeks. It is important that applicants familiarise themselves with the requirements outlined in detail on the Teaching Council website, and allow for the timeframes indicated.