Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
226. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria used to recognise teaching experience gained abroad for the purposes of salary scale placement; whether experience gained in accredited private international schools delivering programmes such as the International Baccalaureate is considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there are plans to introduce a system whereby teachers working abroad can have their experience assessed for salary scale purposes in advance of returning to take up a position in the State; and if she will consider introducing such a mechanism. [27807/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department of Education’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 and/or relevant non-teaching service.
Where the service/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.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, if 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, for which both criteria 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 to recognised 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.
