01 November, 2013 - Minister Quinn signs commencement order for registered teaching profession

The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairí Quinn, has today signed the commencement order for Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 to become operational from 28 January 2014.

This legislation introduces a major reform whereby only registered teachers in recognised schools may be paid from public funds. “It is in all our interests for all of our children to be taught only by registered teachers who engage in continuous learning and development,” Minister Quinn said.

This measure will enhance the status of the teaching profession through fair and transparent regulation of entry to, and continued membership of, the profession.

The Minister urged any teachers who are not currently registered with the teaching council to apply for registration immediately.  

ENDS

Supplementary Information

The Education Act 1998 (Unregistered Persons) Regulations 2014 will govern the limited conditions under which an unregistered person may be employed where a registered teacher is not available.

Circular letter 25/2013, published on 15 May 2013 refers to the requirements for the recruitment of teachers following the commencement of Section 30. Circular letter 52/2013, published on 25 October 2013, outlines employment consequences for unregistered people and provides guidance to their employers.

The annual Teaching Council registration fee qualifies for tax relief, hence the real cost of the initial €90 fee is €54 or just over one euro a week (this includes assessment and/or recognition of qualifications), with the annual renewal fee of €65 costing €39.