IPPN

Published: 31 May 2010

The Minister for Education and Skills wishes to bring to the attention of schools and teachers the arrangements by the Teaching Council for the implementation of the European Council Directives on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, which were transposed into law by the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 139 of 2008). This statutory instrument sets out the manner in which professional qualifications obtained in one EU member State are recognised in all member States. For example, a teacher who has obtained qualified teacher status in an EU member State in compliance with the EU Directives is eligible to be registered as a teacher in this country, subject to certain conditions.

The 2008 Regulations provide for the imposition of compensatory measures by the competent authority to address shortfalls in qualifications that are identified as being substantial. Under the Regulations and the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Teaching Council is the competent/designated authority for the recognition of qualifications of teachers. For example, teachers who have acquired teaching qualifications in an EU member State whose professional education did not include elements considered necessary in the Irish school system (such as a qualification to teach Irish in the case of primary school teachers) may be required to make up the shortfall before being fully registered as a teacher by the Teaching Council. Generally, a teacher in this position will have the option to make good the shortfall(s) by passing an aptitude test or by satisfactorily completing an adaptation period. An adaptation period is defined in the Regulations as follows:

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