Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1237. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department's policy on recognising degrees, higher diplomas in Education, and Teaching Council registration for Youthreach resource persons; whether such qualifications should attract allowances or recognition comparable to Youthreach teacher grades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9888/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1238. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy basis for recognising or not recognising teaching experience gained in Government-funded State post-primary schools outside the European Union for Youthreach resource persons; the rationale for any differential treatment versus post-primary teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9889/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1237 and 1238 together.
Youthreach provides a vital service to young people, many of whom are overcoming serious challenges in their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Youthreach staff. There are distinct differences between the roles, qualifications, and regulatory frameworks, including terms and conditions of employment, governing teachers and Youthreach Resource Persons. Incremental credit arrangements apply only to specific cohorts of staff and are subject to national pay policy determinations. The terms and conditions in relation to the awarding of incremental credit in recognition of previous equivalent or relevant experience for Youthreach resource persons and Youthreach co-ordinators are governed by circular 0019/2018. The circular outlines that the awarding of incremental credit in recognition of prior equivalent or relevant experience is at the discretion of the Chief Executive of the ETB and, as such, queries regarding same should be directed to the ETB as the employer, in the first instance. Qualification requirements for Youthreach staff are set out in the Department of Education and Youth's Operator Guidelines for the Youthreach Programme which outlines that, while relevant qualifications are desirable, no qualifications are specified for staff working in this programme. This is intended to give ETBs maximum flexibility to recruit staff with a combination of personal qualities and professional skills most likely to meet the often complex needs of participating learners. In contrast, teachers must hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification, a recognised teaching qualification, and be registered with the Teaching Council.
