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For Written Answer on : 27/05/2021
Question Number(s): 195 Question Reference(s): 28813/21
Department: Education
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Education if her Departmental representatives on a council (details supplied) have reported to her on the progress made to date in recognising post-primary private teaching service outside of the EU for the purpose of incremental credit, similar to that of primary school service; when she expects to receive such a report given the provision for recognition of this service in section 6 a) i) of Department Circular 0029/2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC)

REPLY
 

The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).  This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education. The Council is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.

The criteria for the award of incremental credit is laid out in my Department’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers.  

These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit for service given within the EU.  While the circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service in private primary schools outside the EU no provision is made for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service given in private post primary schools outside of the European Union.

The teachers unions have lodged a number of claims at TCC in relation to incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU.  TCC agreed to establish a sub-Committee to consider the claims.  The claims are still under consideration.