Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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407. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the implementation of the proposed timebound provision for transferring teachers from route 3 to route 1 of the Teaching Council register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57079/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule.

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 regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

There is no mechanism whereby a teacher can transfer route with the Teaching Council. The Council may suggest another route to the route being applied for if that seems to align with the qualifications, or a teacher may apply for a different route if they gain additional qualifications. Teachers can also be registered under more than one route, but it is the obligation of the teacher to apply for the route or routes of registration. It should be noted that in accordance with statute, the Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

To assist with teacher supply challenges, in the Teaching Council’s recently revised Registration Regulations, 2025, which were effected on 16 October 2025, a Timebound Provision has been created which provides for teachers who completed a teacher education qualification in another country, but have not completed the necessary induction there, to apply for registration to the Teaching Council and to complete Droichead (induction) here in the Republic of Ireland. Specific eligibility and qualification requirement apply to this timebound provision. This timebound provision is open to receipt of applications until 30 December 2027. Anyone wishing to avail of this must complete their programme of study and submit a complete application before this date. They must also meet the specific eligibility and qualification requirements. Further information in relation to the timebound provision including the eligibility criteria can be located here:

www.teachingcouncil.ie/qualified-outside-of-ireland-induction-not-complete/#eligibility-requirements

Applications for the Timebound Provision will be accepted from 9am on Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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408. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of ongoing communication challenges between the Teaching Council and applicants seeking to transfer their registration routes; the steps being taken to ensure timely, transparent and supportive communication with teachers who are actively employed in schools and awaiting guidance on their registration status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57080/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule.

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 regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Their role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. They do this through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

As a statutory body, the Teaching Council is required by law to properly determine and to authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration, including those who have qualified outside of Ireland. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

There is no mechanism whereby a teacher can transfer route with the Teaching Council. The Council may suggest another route of registration depending on qualifications, or a teacher may apply for a different route if they gain additional qualifications. A teacher may also be registered under more than one route of registration. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply for whichever route or routes of registration applies.

All applications from teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are processed in line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EU and are assessed under its general system in the same manner, regardless of whether the applicant qualified within or outside of the EU. Further details on this process can be found on the Teaching Council website.

Teaching qualifications are recognised differently in national contexts, jurisdictions, and educational sectors around the world, therefore persons completing teacher education qualifications outside the State and seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland.

All applications are assessed on an individual, case by case basis. The assessments are holistic and include the individual combination of relevant qualifications, teaching experience, and lifelong learning. The relevant criteria are equally applied to all applicants.

The Teaching Council has streamlined registration systems and processes in place to ensure the timely processing of applications for registration while also ensuring that professional standards are upheld, in line with its statutory remit. The Teaching Council assists the progress of applicants by providing support and guidance at all times throughout the process.

In the delivery of its functions, the Council is committed to providing customer service of the highest standards to the public and stakeholders, with a focus on remaining professional, open and transparent.

The Customer Service Charter is published on the Teaching Council website and reflects their commitment to providing high quality customer service in line with Customer Service initiatives approved by Government. Their Customer Service Action Plan 2024-2027, also available on the website, details how the standards and commitments set out in the Charter will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by the Teaching Council. Developed in accordance with the 12 Guiding Principles of Quality Customer Service, the Action Plan outlines the service standards our customers can expect, along with the key performance indicators they use to measure and continuously improve their performance.

As a public body, the Teaching Council is under the auspices of the Office of the Ombudsman. Further information can be found on the website at www.ombudsman.ie/making-a-complaint/make-a-complaint/

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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409. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate reported inconsistencies in the Teaching Council’s handling of registration route transfers, particularly in cases where teachers with similar qualifications and experience have received differing outcomes; if she will ensure that all applicants are treated equitably and in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57081/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule.

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 regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

As a statutory body, the Teaching Council is required by law to properly determine and to authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration, including those who have qualified outside of Ireland. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

There is no mechanism whereby a teacher can transfer route with the Teaching Council. The Council may suggest another route more appropriate to the qualifications, or a teacher may apply for a different route if they gain additional qualifications. A teacher may be registered under more than one route. It is the obligation of the teacher to apply for the route of registration commensurate with their qualifications.

All applications from teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are processed in line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EU and are assessed under its general system in the same manner, regardless of whether the applicant qualified within or outside of the EU. Further details on this process can be found on the Teaching Council website.

Teaching qualifications are recognised differently in national contexts, jurisdictions, and educational sectors around the world, therefore persons completing teacher education qualifications outside the State and seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland.

All applications are assessed on an individual, case by case basis. While it may seem that one set of circumstances apply to all qualifications, there are differences, sometimes minor, to be taken account of by the Teaching Council.

The assessments are holistic and include the individual combination of relevant qualifications, teaching experience, and lifelong learning. The relevant criteria are equally applied to all applicants. The Teaching Council is independent in their registration function.

The Teaching Council has streamlined registration systems and processes in place to ensure the timely processing of applications for registration while also ensuring that professional standards are upheld, in line with its statutory remit. The Teaching Council assists the progress of applicants by providing support and guidance at all times throughout the process.

An applicant can submit an appeal to the Registration Committee Review Group if:

• Registration has been refused
• Registration conditions have been imposed

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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410. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will request the Teaching Council to review cases where teachers with comparable qualifications and experience have received inconsistent decisions regarding their registration route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57082/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule.

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 regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

As a statutory body, the Teaching Council is required by law to properly determine and to authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration, including those who have qualified outside of Ireland. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

All applications from teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are processed in line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EU and are assessed under its general system in the same manner, regardless of whether the applicant qualified within or outside of the EU. Further details on this process can be found on the Teaching Council website.

Teaching qualifications are recognised differently in national contexts, jurisdictions, and educational sectors around the world, therefore persons completing teacher education qualifications outside the State and seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland.

All applications are assessed on an individual, case by case basis. While it may seem that one set of circumstances apply to all qualifications, it is important that minor differences are provided for, if, for example relevant experience may demonstrate attainment of an aspect required, by the Teaching Council.

The assessments are holistic and include the individual combination of relevant qualifications, teaching experience, and lifelong learning. The relevant criteria are equally applied to all applicants. The Teaching Council is independent in their registration function.

An applicant can submit an appeal to the Registration Committee Review Group if:

• Registration has been refused
• Registration conditions have been imposed

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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411. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which her Department is addressing the situation whereby teachers registered under route 3 are currently prevented from commencing the Droichead process, despite being actively employed in Irish schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57083/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule to the Regulations.

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 Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

The Teaching Council is the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. It carries this out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

In accordance with Department Circular 44/2019 and Circular 31/2011, which are available on the Department’s website under gov.ie - Department of Education, schools are required to employ appropriately qualified teachers (as demonstrated by registration under the appropriate route) and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired. These measures were taken in an effort to increase employment opportunities for unemployed teachers.

Chapter 2 of Circular 44/2019 deals with the recruitment of teachers in Primary & Special Schools.

As per circular 31/2011 Post Primary:

6. Employment of unregistered persons in exceptional circumstances to cover short-term absences

6.1 Following the taking of all reasonable steps under paragraph 4, a school may employ an unregistered person where, due to urgent and unforeseen circumstances, it is necessary for the immediate filling of a teaching post in order to prevent school closure, safeguard the welfare of students or is necessary to maintain provision in the school.

6.2 An unregistered person may be employed only where the principal records in writing that–

(i) following the taking of all reasonable efforts under paragraph 4, the school is not in a position to employ a registered teacher and the reasons for this, and

(ii) the person proposed for appointment is competent and capable of acting in a teaching capacity in the school.

6.3 An unregistered person employed in accordance with paragraph 6.1– 6 (a) will be paid at the unqualified rate of pay; (b) may not be paid in respect of more than one week’s continuous employment at any one time; and (c) must have included in his or her contract of employment a condition that the contract will terminate immediately if the employer is in a position to employ a registered teacher.

The Teaching Council registers teachers under Route 3 - Further Education (FE) in line with the Teaching Council Acts and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016. Registration under Route 3 requires a teacher-education qualification suitable for the purposes of teaching in FE settings and can be completed as part of an undergraduate degree or in addition to an undergraduate degree accredited in accordance with the Further Education: General and Programme Requirements for the Accreditation of Teacher Education Qualifications.

The Department applies the routes to determine the sector to which each route of registration should apply. Details can be found in the relevant Department circulars mentioned previously.

Droichead, the Teaching Council’s integrated professional induction framework for newly qualified teachers is open to teachers registered under Route 1, Route 2 or Route 4 with the Teaching Council. It is important to note that the teacher must be qualified and registered under the appropriate route of registration for the sector that they are employed in, and to which Droichead applies, that is, primary and post-primary.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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412. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will intervene to ensure that teachers registered under route 3, who are actively teaching in Irish schools, are not excluded from accessing the Droichead process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57084/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set down in the Schedule to the Regulations.

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 Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.

The Teaching Council is the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. This is carried out through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

In accordance with Department Circular 44/2019 and Circular 31/2011, which are available on the Department’s website under gov.ie - Department of Education, schools are required to employ appropriately qualified teachers and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired. These measures were taken in an effort to increase employment opportunities for unemployed teachers.

The Teaching Council registers teachers under Route 3 - Further Education (FE) in line with the Teaching Council Acts and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2025. Registration under Route 3 requires a teacher-education qualification suitable for the purposes of teaching in FE settings and can be completed as part of an undergraduate degree or in addition to an undergraduate degree accredited in accordance with the Further Education: General and Programme Requirements for the Accreditation of Teacher Education Qualifications.

The Department applies the routes to determine the sector to which each route of registration should apply. Details can be found in the relevant Department circulars referred to previously.

Droichead, the Teaching Council’s integrated professional induction framework is open to newly qualified teachers registered under Route 1, Route 2 or Route 4, who meet the eligibility requirements as set out by the Teaching Council. It is important to note that the teacher must be qualified and registered under the appropriate route of registration for the sector that they are employed in., and for which Droichead applies, that is primary and post-primary.