Status of thousands of teachers in doubt

The Teaching Council’s increased disciplinary powers and the Government’s control over the hiring of people who are not qualified are being hamstrung by doubts over the status of thousands of teachers.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is anxious to enforce section 30 of the 2001 Teaching Council Act this coming school year.

It would mean his department would only pay people for teaching work if they were registered with the regulatory body — which requires holding a teaching qualification.