Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
357. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to the recognition of teaching service abroad for incremental credit following a career break; the status of this application; the expected timeframe for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3271/26]
View answerThe criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department of Education’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, and 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of overseas teaching service, both within and outside the EU. Where a school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made.
Teaching service given outside the Republic of Ireland by a qualified teacher in a school or college which is equivalent to a primary or post primary school in the Republic of Ireland may qualify for the award of incremental credit.
In order for service under this scheme to be recognised, the following criteria must be satisfied:
• The service must have been satisfactory,
• The service must have been remunerated,
• The service must have been full time.
The school in which the service was given must have been:
• Subject to State inspection,
• Offer a range of studies which incorporates all the courses prescribed on the national curriculum of the state in question.
Regarding the person named, their application on receipt was incomplete in relation to the above criteria and clarification was requested from the school overseas. Officials in the incremental credit unit of my department corresponded directly with the person concerned in this regard. Following receipt of a reply from the school in question a decision on the application issued awarding the maximum credit allowable under the terms of the scheme will be made.
