Teacher numbers to benefit from new regulations – Burke

Minister Peter Burke today welcomed the announcement from Minister Helen McEntee that new regulations have been passed into law to facilitate teachers who have qualified abroad and can now complete their induction in Ireland.

“I thank my colleague Minister Helen McEntee for her intervention on this issue and the significant work that has gone into finalising this regulation,” he said in a statement.

“The regulation, now signed into law, will ensure that fully qualified teachers are given full recognition by the Department of Education.

Minister Burke said he had been pursuing the issue for a number of teachers who have returned home with teaching qualifications gained overseas but not fully recognised as qualified teachers with the Teaching Council and therefore on a lower pay grade.

“I am glad that this timebound regulation, open until 2027, will facilitate many teachers currently in our schools, who want to regularise their positions and have their qualifications recognised here.

“That cohort of teachers, in primary and secondary level schools, are contributing so much to our education sector and this will hopefully encourage more into the sector where shortfalls exist on teacher supply. I am hoping the regulation will encourage more teachers to return from overseas also.

“There will also be the benefit of supporting student teachers through roles in substitute teaching and strengthening teacher supply while keeping high professional standards.

“More information is available on teachingcouncil.ie and is subject to applicants meeting eligibility and qualifications requirements prior to approval, it is a timebound provision, and needs to be actioned by those concerned.”