Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
571. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to an incremental credit application for teaching service; the reasons for the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department’s Circular 10/2001 for primary teachers, and Circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 for post-primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers were 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.
There is no contractual entitlement to incremental credit. Applicants must submit a fully completed incremental credit application to have prior service assessed. Teachers must be on the Department of Education’s teacher payroll or teaching in an Education and Training Board school before an application can be processed.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, which can be of relevance when examining claims relating to private teaching schools, and the length of time the school has been in existence, must be satisfied for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit. Where schools do not satisfy the required criteria, then service at that school cannot be considered towards incremental credit.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit for teachers are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the Teachers Conciliation Council, and which meets on an ongoing basis. Through the Teachers Conciliation Council, the teacher unions have lodged a claim concerning the recognition of private post primary teaching service outside the EU towards the award of incremental credit. The Department is continuing to examine ways in which the matter may be progressed in the future.
With specific regard to the application for incremental credit in question, I am informed that the application was assessed by the ETB, as the teacher is teaching in an ETB school, and the decision of the ETB was made in accordance with the terms of the scheme, as set out in circular 29/2007. Officials in my Department have forwarded the correspondence received, to the relevant ETB, for consideration and direct reply to the applicant.
