Paula Butterly
Question:606. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Education and Youth to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34888/26]
View answerTuesday, 12 May 2026
Questions (606)
Written answers
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in my Department’s Circular 10/2001 for Primary teachers, and Circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers.
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of prior teaching service, including overseas teaching service, both within and outside the EU, including teaching service in the countries referenced. The circulars also provide for an award of incremental credit for relevant non-teaching service.
The award of incremental credit is not an automatic entitlement, and there is no contractual entitlement to incremental credit. Where the criteria set out in the circulars have been met an award of incremental credit can be made. Where a teacher applies to have their prior service recognised under the teaching service category, that service should be deemed to be the equivalent of approved teaching service for the purpose of the relevant circular.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, whether the school offers a range of studies which incorporates all of the courses prescribed on the national curriculum of the State in which the school is located, whether the school prepares students for a recognised second-level State examination and qualification, can be of relevance when examining claims relating to private schools, as well as the length of time the school has been in existence; such criteria must be satisfied for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit for teachers were agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) and are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the TCC, and which meets on an ongoing basis.
Any changes to the application process or the criteria for an award of incremental credit must be sought and agreed through enagement with the TCC.