S.I. No. 482/2025 - Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2025

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

CONTENTS

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

1. Citation

2. Commencement

3. Interpretation

PART 2

THE REGISTER

4. Maintenance, publication and inspection of register

5. Information to be entered in register

6. Certificate of registration

7. Inspection of register

8. Obtaining copy of extract of register

9. Correction of register

PART 3

REGISTRATION

10. Applications for registration

11. Criteria for registration

12. Registration with conditions attached pursuant to section 31(6)(b)

13. Internal review of registration decision

PART 4

RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION

14. Applications for renewal

15. Criteria for renewal of registration

16. Renewal of registration with conditions attached pursuant to section 33(16)

PART 5

REVOCATION AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

17. Revocation

18. Transitional provisions

SCHEDULE

The Teaching Council, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 4, sections 29 and 31 (as amended by sections 8 and 10 of the Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2015 (No. 31 of 2015)) and section 33 (as amended by section 9 of the Education (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 14 of 2012)) of the Teaching Council Act 2001 (No. 8 of 2001) (as adapted by the Education and Skills (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2020 ( S.I. No. 450 of 2020 )), with the consent of the Minister for Education and Youth, hereby makes the following regulations:

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

Citation

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2025.

Commencement

2. These Regulations shall come into operation on 16 October 2025.

Interpretation

3. (1) In these Regulations–

“Act” means the Teaching Council Act 2001 (No. 8 of 2001);

“Act of 2012” means the Education (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 14 of 2012);

“Act of 2015” means the Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2015 (No. 31 of 2015);

“adaptation period” and “aptitude test” have the meanings assigned to them in the Professional

Qualifications Directive and the Professional Qualifications Regulations;

“certified copy” means a copy of a document with an endorsement (signature, stamp and date) on the actual copy which states that an appropriate person has sighted the original document and believes the copy of that document, and–

(a) in the case of a document proving identity (birth certificate or current passport), means a copy of such document certified by a member of An Garda Síochána, a Peace Commissioner, a solicitor or a Commissioner for Oaths, with an original clearly legible stamp affixed on the copy,

(b) in the case of a transcript, parchment, diploma supplement, course handbook or course related documentation, means a copy of such document certified by a member of An Garda Síochána, a Peace Commissioner, a solicitor, a Commissioner for Oaths or registrar’s or registry office of the higher education institution, college or university where the qualification in question was awarded (copies of parchments that are provided along with original transcripts do not need to be certified), and

(c) in the case of a transcript or statement of results that has been printed from an internet student portal, means a copy of such document stamped by the registrar’s or registry office of the college or university where the qualification in question was awarded;

“declaration of consent” has the meaning assigned to it in section 13 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 (No. 47 of 2012);

“General System” means the system for assessing the equivalency of qualifications, which is contained in Title III, Chapter I of the Professional Qualifications Directive and Part 5 of the Professional Qualifications Regulations;

“newly qualified teacher” or “NQT” means a teacher who meets the Council’s requirements in terms of qualification under Route 1, 2 or 4 of the Schedule but has not completed the required period of professional practice, including a teacher who obtained entry to the register through Route 5 of the Schedule and who has since successfully completed the accredited programme in teacher education in respect of which he or she was registered;

“paymaster” means the person or organisation in charge of paying salaries to registered teachers, i.e. the Department of Education and Youth or the Education and Training Boards, as appropriate;

“post-qualification professional practice” means a period of post qualification practice, which meets the Council’s requirements in terms of the procedures it has set down in relation to the induction of teachers into the teaching profession;

“Professional Qualifications Directive” means Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005¹ as amended by Council Directive 2006/100/EC of 20 November 2006² , Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1430/2007 of 5 December 2007³ , Commission Regulation (EC) No. 755/2008 of 31 July 2008⁴ , Regulation (EC) No. 1137/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2008⁵ , Commission Regulation (EC) No. 279/2009 of 6 April 2009⁶ , Commission Regulation (EU) No. 213/2011 of 3 March 2011⁷ , Act concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia⁸ , Commission Regulation (EU) No. 623/2012 of 11 July 2012⁹ , Council Directive 2013/25/EU of 13 May 2013¹⁰ and, other than in the case of an applicant whose home member state is Switzerland, Directive 2013/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013¹¹ ;

“Professional Qualifications Regulations” means the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 ( S.I. No. 8 of 2017 );

“PPSN” means Personal Public Service Number;

“relevant state” means–

(a) a state that is a contracting state to the EEA Agreement within the meaning given by the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993 (other than the State), or

(b) Switzerland;

“route of registration” means the qualifications through which a teacher obtained entry in the Register;

“third country” means a state other than the State or a relevant state.

(2) A word or expression which is used in these Regulations and which is also used in the Professional Qualifications Directive and the Professional Qualifications Regulations has, unless the context otherwise requires, the same meaning in these Regulations as it has in the Professional Qualifications Directive and the Professional Qualifications Regulations.

PART 2

THE REGISTER

Maintenance, publication and inspection of register

4. The register shall be maintained electronically and published online by the Council in accordance with Regulation 7.

Information to be entered in register

5. The following information shall be entered in the register in respect of each registered teacher—

(a) personal details—

(i) name under which the registered teacher carries out professional duties as a registered teacher,

(ii) any other, or previous, names by which the registered teacher is or was known,

(iii) date of birth,

(iv) gender,

(v) nationality,

(vi) PPSN, where applicable,

(vii) postal address for correspondence, to include address for the service of notices by or on behalf of the Council under the Act,

(viii) email address which the Council may use to contact the registered teacher, and

(ix) telephone number(s) which the Council may use to contact the registered teacher,

(b) qualifications—

(i) third level qualifications,

(ii) route of registration,

(iii) alternative route by which the registered teacher could also have gained registration (if applicable), and

(iv) subject(s) or area(s) of study through which deemed eligible for registration (if applicable),

(i) date(s) of registration,

(ii) date the application for registration was received by the Council;,

(iii) registration status which may, where appropriate, include details of any undertaking(s) from the registered teacher to the Council or High Court, or any suspension of the registration of the registered teacher imposed under section 44 or section 47 of the Act;

(iv) registration number,

(v) any condition(s) attached to registration under section 31, 33 or 44 of the Act, and the expiry date of the condition(s),

(vi) details of any substantial differences in training for which the registered teacher has to complete an aptitude test or adaptation period, where applicable,

(vii) the findings and sanction of any disciplinary proceedings under Part 5 of the Act, including any measures confirmed by a panel under section 44(1A) (inserted by section 25(b) of the Act of 2015) of the Act, and the period for which such information shall remain on the Register, and

(viii) the information disclosed by the most recent vetting disclosure in the possession of the Council in respect of the person,

(d) employment details (if applicable) —

(i) name and address of employer,

(ii) school roll number,

(iii) employment dates (including start and cease dates), and

(iv) employment status and position, where relevant,

(e) voting category as prescribed under section 10 of the Act, and

(f) such further information as the Council may require, from time to time, to be entered in the register.

Certificate of registration

6. A certificate of registration issued under section 31(9)(a) of the Act shall contain, but not be limited to, the following information—

(a) name under which the registered teacher carries out professional duties as a teacher,

(b) registration number,

(d) route of registration,

(e) alternative route by which could also have gained registration (if applicable),

(f) subject(s) or area(s) of study through which deemed eligible for registration, if applicable,

(g) registration status, which may where appropriate include details of any undertaking(s) from the registered teacher to the Council or High Court, or any suspension of the registration of the registered teacher imposed under section 44 or section 47 of the Act,

(h) any condition(s) attached to registration under section 31, 33 or 44 of the Act, and the expiry dates of the condition(s), and

(i) a statement that the teacher has obtained the required qualifications to satisfy the Council for registration as a teacher under section 31 of the Act, which may include details of any substantial differences in training for which the teacher has to complete an aptitude test or adaptation period.

Inspection of, access to, register

7. (1) Registered teachers may inspect the information on the register, which relates to them, by logging in to the Council’s website.

(2) A paymaster may access the information set out in Regulation 5(a)(i) and (vi), (b), (c)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), and (d)(i) and (ii), together with such further information referred to in Regulation 5 as the Council considers appropriate from time to time, through the Council’s website or by means of online data transfer.

(3) The following information from the register shall be made available for public inspection on the Council’s website—

(a) name under which the person carries out professional duties as a teacher,

(b) registration number,

(d) alternative route by which could also have gained registration (if applicable),

(e) registration status, which may where appropriate include details of any undertaking(s) from the registered teacher to the Council or High Court, or any suspension of the registration of the registered teacher imposed under section 44 or section 47 of the Act,

(f) any condition(s) attached to registration under section 31, 33 or 44 of the Act,

(g) name and address of employer where applicable, including school name and school roll number,

(h) date(s) of registration, and

(i) such other information as the Council may deem necessary in the public interest.

Obtaining copy of extract of register

8. Where the Director provides a copy of an entry or extract of the register pursuant to section 29(6)(b) of the Act, it may contain the information listed in Regulation 7(3)(a) to (i).

Correction of register

9. (1) Registered teachers shall ensure that the information recorded in the register in relation to their registration is accurate and up to date.

(2) Registered teachers may view their registration details online and may edit the following personal details—

(a) address for correspondence,

(b) contact email address and telephone numbers,

(d) such further details as the Council deems appropriate from time to time.

(3) In the case of certain changes in relation to the information recorded in the register relating to a registered teacher, to include details concerning a registered teacher’s name or qualifications, the registered teacher shall be required to provide documentary evidence of these changes, and the requirements of Regulation 10(2) shall apply to such evidence as if the registered teacher was applying for registration.

(4) When an application for correction of the register results in a change in information contained in a registration certificate, the Council may make available an updated certificate to the registered teacher in question.

PART 3

REGISTRATION

Applications for registration

10. (1) An application for registration shall be made in such form as is provided from time to time by the Council.

(2) An application for registration shall contain the following information—

(a) details of the applicant’s personal information including—

(i) name under which the applicant shall carry out their professional duties as a teacher,

(ii) any other name(s), or previous name(s), by which the applicant is or was known, if any,

(iii) date of birth,

(iv) gender,

(v) nationality,

(vi) PPSN, where applicable,

(vii) a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or passport,

(viii) if the applicant’s name has changed, a copy of the applicant’s marriage or civil partnership certificate, or an authenticated copy of the deed of name change; and

(ix) any other proof of identity that the Council may feel is necessary for identification purposes,

(b) the applicant’s contact details including—

(i) the applicant’s postal address for correspondence and service of notices by or on behalf of the Council under the Act,

(ii) the applicant’s email address for correspondence, and

(iii) the applicant’s contact telephone number(s),

(i) name and address of employer,

(ii) school roll number,

(iii) employment dates (including start and cease dates), and

(iv) employment status and position, where relevant,

(d) details and evidence of the applicant’s qualification(s) in reliance upon which the application is made, which may include–

(i) a copy of degrees and diplomas, if applicable,

(ii) copies of qualification transcripts of results for each year of undergraduate and postgraduate qualification(s), and/or permission to view the applicant’s results online,

(iii) a copy of the sections in the course handbook or course related documents for each year of the course studied by the applicant as may be deemed relevant by the Council,

(iv) a copy of translations of some or all of the documents referred to at (i) to (iii) above or extracts of them, if requested by the Council, which must be verified by an independent translator, and

(v) any other information that the Council may consider is necessary for the verification of the applicant’s qualifications,

(e) details and evidence as to the applicant being a fit and proper person to teach, including—

(i) a declaration of consent and other information which is required by the Council to enable it to obtain a vetting disclosure in respect of the applicant,

(ii) a foreign vetting or police disclosure or a sworn declaration regarding foreign police clearance (if applicable),

(iii) a completed declaration of criminal convictions or pending prosecutions against them, as contained in the application form,

(iv) a completed declaration as to disciplinary history, as contained in the application form, along with details of any process completed, of which the applicant has been the subject, in which adverse findings were made or as a result of which workplace restrictions were imposed, or as a result of which the applicant was restricted, in any manner, from having contact with children or vulnerable persons, including a process carried out by the Health Service Executive, the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána, an employer or any other body in the State or elsewhere (including the equivalent of the Council in any other jurisdiction), as contained in the application form,

(v) a completed declaration as to any ongoing investigations by the Health Service Executive, the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána, an employer or any other body in the State or elsewhere (including the equivalent of the Council in any other jurisdiction), as contained in the application form,

(vi) satisfactory character reference(s) from a suitable person, as identified by the Council, and employment reference(s) if requested,

(vii) certificates of good standing from any other professional or regulatory body of which they have been a member, if applicable, and

(viii) any other information that the Council may consider is necessary including evidence from the applicant or any other relevant person to verify information submitted by the applicant,

(f) details and evidence of successful completion of post-qualification professional practice as set down by the Council, if applicable,

(g) details and evidence of medical fitness to teach, where requested,

(h) details and evidence of competence in the English language, where applicable,

(i) details of the applicant’s previous registration by the Council, and information as to why the applicant is no longer on the Register, if applicable, including information as to how the applicant intends to comply with any condition(s) to be imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act, where requested,

(j) details of the applicant’s current or previous registration, licensing or authorisation (howsoever described) with, or by, equivalent or similar bodies to the Council in other jurisdictions, if applicable,

(k) details of whether the applicant has worked or is working in any other jurisdiction as a teacher, and

(l) any other information that the Council may require on the basis that it is necessary for the purpose of section 31 of the Act.

(3) The Council may seek originals or certified copies of some or all of the documents listed in paragraph (2) above, together with any other documents that the Council deems appropriate.

(4) The Council may seek additional information in relation to matters being considered under section 31 of the Act.

(5) An application for registration shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by the Council under section 23 of the Act.

(6) An application for registration shall be completed in full, in the manner set out by the Council in the application.

(7) The Council may process personal and special category data as part of an application for registration only to the extent that such processing is necessary and proportionate and subject to suitable and specific measures to be taken to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the applicant.

Requirements for registration

11. (1) Other requirements to be met for registration, as referred to in section 31(5)(c) of the Act include—

(a) that the qualification(s) which the applicant possesses meets the education, training and qualifications criteria for admission to the register by one or more of the following routes—

(i) primary,

(ii) post-primary,

(iii) further education,

(iv) other, or

(v) student teacher,

as set down in the Schedule,

(b) where a concern exists or arises in relation to the health of the applicant, that the applicant is medically fit to teach,

(d) where the applicant was previously registered with the Council and did not comply, or was not complying, with conditions attached to his or her registration, that the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that he or she will comply with any condition(s) to be imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act.

(2) If the Council is not satisfied that an applicant with qualifications obtained outside of the State meets the education, training and qualifications requirements determined by the Council in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) following an assessment of his or her qualifications under the General System, it may require that applicant to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test, in accordance with the Professional Qualifications Directive and the Professional Qualifications Regulations, and the applicant may be registered subject to condition(s) for the purpose of completing such adaptation period or aptitude test.

(3) For the avoidance of doubt, paragraph (2) shall also apply to applicants from relevant states who do not come within the scope of the Professional Qualifications Directive or the Professional Qualifications Regulations, and to third country applicants.

(4) The Council may decide to grant registration to an applicant with or without conditions, or it may decide to refuse registration.

Registration with conditions attached pursuant to section 31(6)(b)

12. (1) The Council may register an applicant subject to such condition(s) as the Council considers appropriate. For the avoidance of doubt, this applies to all applicants, including an applicant who was previously registered with the Council and withdrew from the register, lapsed from the register, or was removed.

(2) All newly qualified teachers who meet the requirements for registration shall be registered with a condition that they must complete a period of post-qualification professional practice as set down by the Council, within a specified period. This is in addition to any other condition(s) considered appropriate by the Council.

(3) Without prejudice to the Council’s entitlement to attach such additional conditions to the applicant’s registration as it considers appropriate, a student teacher granted registration pursuant to Route 5 of the Schedule shall be registered subject to the following conditions—

(a) they shall remain as a registered student on the accredited programme in teacher education in respect of which they were registered, until the successful completion of that programme,

(b) they shall only engage in teaching on a substitute basis until the successful completion of the accredited programme in teacher education in respect of which they were registered,

(c) they shall participate fully in the accredited programme in teacher education in respect of which they were registered, until the successful completion of that programme, and

(d) within a specified period from the date of successful completion of the accredited programme in teacher education, they shall complete a period of post-qualification professional practice, as set down by the Council.

(4) In accordance with Regulation 11(2), an applicant with qualifications obtained outside of the State may be required to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test in accordance with the Professional Qualifications Directive and the Professional Qualifications Regulations, and the applicant may be registered subject to condition(s) for the purpose of completing such adaptation period or aptitude test.

(5) For the avoidance of doubt, paragraph (4) shall also apply to applicants from relevant states who do not come within the scope of the Professional Qualifications Directive or the Professional Qualifications Regulations, and to third country applicants.

(6) A registered teacher may apply in writing to the Council for an extension of the specified period to comply with condition(s) imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act and any extension shall be at the discretion of the Council.

(7) Where a registered teacher fails to comply with condition(s) imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act within the specified period or, where applicable, any extension of that period, the conditional registration shall lapse.

(8) Where a teacher who is registered subject to a condition imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act ceases to be registered and later reapplies to be admitted to the register, the Council will consider whether it is appropriate to allocate that teacher the balance of the time period originally granted to meet the requirements of the condition or conditions, as originally specified.

Internal review of registration decision

13. An applicant for registration may request an internal review of a decision of the Council to refuse registration or impose conditions on registration, without prejudice to the applicant’s right of appeal under section 31(8) of the Act.

PART 4

RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION

Applications for renewal

14. (1) An application for renewal of registration shall be made in such form as is provided from time to time by the Council.

(2) An application for renewal of registration shall contain the following information—

(a) the applicant’s personal details, which may include the applicant’s PPSN,

(b) the applicant’s postal address for correspondence, contact email address and telephone number(s),

(d) school roll number,

(e) employment dates (including start and cease dates),

(f) employment status and position,

(g) a completed declaration as to whether the applicant has resigned or retired from a teaching position on ill health or medical fitness grounds, as contained in the application for renewal,

(h) where the Council is carrying out an assessment regarding whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to have his or her registration renewed, evidence as to the applicant’s good character, insofar as it relates to the applicant being a fit and proper person to teach, which may include a declaration of consent and any other information which is required by the Council to enable it to obtain a vetting disclosure in respect of the applicant, or a foreign vetting or police disclosure (if applicable),

(i) a completed declaration of criminal convictions, pending prosecutions, or ongoing police investigations against the applicant, as contained in the application for renewal,

(j) a completed declaration as to disciplinary history, as contained in the application, along with details of any process completed, of which the applicant has been the subject, in which adverse findings were made, or as a result of which workplace restrictions were imposed, or as a result of which the applicant was restricted, in any manner, from having contact with children or vulnerable persons, including a process carried out by the Health Service Executive, the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána, an employer or any other body in the State or elsewhere (including the equivalent of the Council in any other jurisdiction), as contained in the application for renewal,

(k) a completed declaration as to any ongoing investigations by the Health Service Executive, the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána, an employer or any other body in the State or elsewhere, for which the applicant has been placed on administrative leave, or suspended by an employer, or where the applicant has been restricted, in any manner, from having contact with children or vulnerable persons, as contained in the application for renewal,

(l) any other information that the Council may consider is necessary, including all information requested by the Council in the event of a positive declaration being made by the applicant in response to (g), (i), (j) or (k) above, and evidence from the applicant or any other relevant person to verify information submitted by the applicant,

(m) details of the applicant’s current or previous registration, licensing or authorisation (howsoever described) with or by equivalent or similar bodies to the Council in other jurisdictions, if applicable,

(n) details of whether the applicant has worked or is working in any other jurisdiction as a teacher, and

(o) any other information that the Council may require.

(3) The Council may seek additional information in relation to matters arising from or being considered under section 33 of the Act.

(4) An application for renewal of registration shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by Council under section 23 of the Act and set out in the application for renewal.

(5) An application for renewal of registration shall be completed in full by the applicant, who shall declare that the details contained in the Register are correct.

(6) An application for renewal shall be made online or sent to the Council in the manner set out in the renewal notice.

(8) An applicant for renewal of registration may request an internal review of a decision of the Council to refuse to renew registration or impose conditions on registration, without prejudice to the applicant’s right of appeal under section 33(19) of the Act.

(9) A certificate of registration issued under section 33(24) of the Act shall contain, but shall not be limited to, the following information—

(a) name under which the registered teacher carries out his or her professional duties as a teacher,

(b) registration number,

(d) route of registration,

(e) alternative route by which the registered teacher could also have gained registration (if applicable),

(f) subject(s) or area(s) of study through which deemed eligible for registration, if applicable,

(h) any condition(s) attached to registration under section 31, 33 or 44 of the Act, and the expiry date of the condition(s),

(i) a statement that the teacher has obtained the required qualifications to satisfy the Council for registration under section 31 of the Act as a teacher, which may include details of any substantial differences in training for which the teacher has to complete an aptitude test or adaptation period,

(j) where appropriate, the adverse findings and sanction from any disciplinary proceedings under Part 5 of the Act, including any measures confirmed by a panel under section 44(1A) of the Act.

Requirements for renewal of registration

15. (1) Other requirements to be met for renewal of registration, as referred to in section 33(2)(d) of the Act include—

(a) where a concern exists or arises in relation to the health of the applicant, that the Council is satisfied that the applicant is medically fit to teach, and

(b) that the applicant has submitted the information and declarations referred to in Regulation 14(2).

(2) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (1), a teacher registered through Route 5 of the Schedule shall not be entitled to have their registration renewed unless, at the date on which their registration is due for renewal—

(a) they have completed their qualification, such that they have met the qualification criteria for admission to the register referred to in another route of registration provided for in the Schedule, or

(b) they continue to be a registered student on an accredited programme in initial teacher education referred to in paragraph 1 of Route 1, or paragraph 1 of Route 2 of the Schedule.

(3) The Council may decide to—

(a) renew an applicant’s registration with or without conditions, or

(b) refuse to renew the applicant’s registration.

Renewal of registration with conditions attached pursuant to section 33(16) of the Act

16. (1) The Council may renew the registration of a registered teacher subject to such condition(s) as the Council considers appropriate.

(2) A registered teacher may apply in writing to the Council for an extension of the specified period to comply with condition(s) imposed under section 33(16)(c) of the Act and any extension shall be at the discretion of the Council.

(3) Where a registered teacher fails to comply with condition(s) imposed under section 33(16)(c) within the specified period or, where applicable, any extension of that period, the teacher shall be removed from the register.

PART 5

REVOCATION AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Revocation

17. The following are revoked—

(a) the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 ( S.I. No. 444 of 2016 ),

(b) the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 ( S.I. No. 557 of 2016 ),

(d) the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 ( S.I. No. 266 of 2021 ),

(e) the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 ( S.I. No. 745 of 2021 ), and

(f) the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 ( S.I. No. 12 of 2023 ).

Transitional provisions

18. Notwithstanding Regulation 17, where, before the entry into force of these Regulations, an application for registration under the Regulations referred to in Regulation 17 had been made but not yet determined, those Regulations shall continue to apply to the application as if they had not been revoked.

Schedule

Regulation 10(1)

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS CRITERIA for admission to the register by one or more of the routes identified in

Regulation 11(1)

Glossary of terms

In this Schedule:

“accredited” means accredited under section 38 (as amended by section 10 of the Act of 2012) of the

Act;

“European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System or ECTS credits” means the credit system for higher education used in the European Higher Education Area;

“further education” means qualified to teach students in recognised schools who are normally 16 years of age and older and who are attending education and training settings outside the post-primary schooling but which are not part of the third-level system;

“Other” means the route by which applicants may obtain entry onto the register in the particular circumstances which are set out in that route;

“National Framework of Qualifications or NFQ” means the ten-level system (1-10) giving an academic or vocational value to qualifications obtained in Ireland;

“post-primary” means qualified to teach pupils or students from first year to sixth year, normally age range 12 to 18 years;

“primary” means qualified to teach pupils or students normally from junior infants to sixth class, age range 4 to 12 years.

ROUTE 1: PRIMARY

A person who applies to be entered on the register on the basis of qualifications as a primary teacher shall satisfy the Council that he or she has obtained one of the following—

1. An undergraduate degree in teacher education which—

(a) combines the study of curricular subject disciplines with other initial teacher education components including school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of primary teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 240 credits of which teacher education studies is assigned a minimum of 120 credits.

2. A post-graduate qualification in teacher education which—

(a) combines the study of curricular subject disciplines with other initial teacher education components including school placement, foundation studies and professional studies and accredited by the Council,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of primary teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 120 credits, and

(e) is commenced following the award of an undergraduate degree at Level 8 or higher on the NFQ, which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits.

3. A qualification or qualifications obtained outside of the State which, in the opinion of the Council, is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required under paragraphs 1 or 2 set forth above, having conducted an assessment of that qualification in accordance with the General System.

4. A qualification or qualifications obtained in the State which, in the opinion of the Council, is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required under paragraphs 1 or 2 set forth above, having carried out a holistic assessment of the person’s qualification(s), training and experience.

5. (1) Subject to subparagraph (2), to assist with teacher supply challenges in the context of a demographic need existing on the coming into operation of this subparagraph, a qualification or qualifications obtained in a state other than the State which, in the opinion of the Council, would be assessed as equivalent under paragraph 3, with no requirement for the applicant to complete an aptitude test or adaptation period (save in relation to the Irish language), but for the fact that the person has not yet completed a period of post-qualification supervised practice, induction or probation, howsoever described, required for the pursuit of the profession in that state.

(2) Subparagraph (1) only applies to applications for admission to the register received by the Council after the coming into operation of that subparagraph and before 31 December 2027.

(3) Persons whose qualifications meet the requirements under subparagraph (1) shall be treated as if recognised under the Professional Qualifications Directive and Regulation 12(1) shall apply.

ROUTE 2: POST-PRIMARY

A person who applies to be entered on the register on the basis of qualifications as a post-primary teacher shall satisfy the Council that he or she has obtained one of the following—

1. An undergraduate degree in teacher education which—

(a) combines the study of one or more of the curricular subject disciplines, with other initial teacher education components including school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of post-primary teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 240 credits of which teacher education studies is assigned a minimum of 120 credits, and

(e) satisfies the requirements for at least one curricular subject as published by the Council on its website at the time of the application.

2. A post-graduate qualification in teacher education which—

(a) includes school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of post-primary teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 120 credits, and

(e) is commenced following the award of an undergraduate degree at Level 8 or higher on the NFQ which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits and which satisfies the requirements for at least one curricular subject as published by the Council on its website at the time of the application.

5. (1) Subject to subparagraph (2), to assist with teacher supply challenges in the context of a demographic need existing on the coming into operation of this subparagraph, a qualification or qualifications obtained in a state other than the State which, in the opinion of the Council, would be assessed as equivalent under paragraph 3, with no requirement for the applicant to complete an aptitude test or adaptation period (save in relation to the history and structure of the Irish education system and, where necessary, the curricular subject referred to in paragraph 1(e) or 2(e)), but for the fact that the person has not yet completed a period of post-qualification supervised practice, induction or probation, howsoever described, required for the pursuit of the profession in that state.

(2) Subparagraph (1) only applies to applications for admission to the register received by the Council after the coming into operation of that subparagraph and before 31 December 2027.

(3) Persons whose qualifications meet the requirements under subparagraph (1) shall be treated as if recognised under the Professional Qualifications Directive and Regulation 12(1) shall apply.

ROUTE 3: FURTHER EDUCATION

A person who applies to be entered on the register on the basis of qualifications as a teacher in the further education sector shall satisfy the Council that he or she has obtained one of the following—

1. An undergraduate degree in teacher education which—

(a) combines the acquisition of expertise and knowledge along with other initial teacher education components including school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of further education teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 240 credits of which teacher education studies is assigned a minimum of 60 credits.

2. A post-graduate qualification¹² in teacher education which—

(a) includes school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Council for the purposes of further education teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 60 credits, and

(e) is commenced following the award of an undergraduate degree or equivalent at Level 8 or higher on the NFQ which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits.

3. A post-graduate qualification¹³ in teacher education which—

(a) includes school placement, foundation studies and professional studies,

(b) is accredited by the Teaching Council for the purposes of further education teaching,

(d) has a ECTS weighting of at least 60 credits,

(e) is commenced following the award of an undergraduate degree or equivalent at level 7 or higher on the NFQ which has a ECTS credit weighting of at least 180 credits, and

(f) either—

(i) an appropriate additional qualification, or

(ii) certified accreditation of prior learning based on a minimum of three years post qualification experience in a workplace or instructional setting which is relevant to the candidate’s qualifications such as may be recognised by the Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a teacher under this route.

4. A qualification or qualifications which in the opinion of the Teaching Council meets or meet the criteria for registration under Route 2: Post-Primary.

5. A qualification or qualifications obtained outside of the State which, in the opinion of the Council, is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required under paragraphs 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 set forth above, having conducted an assessment of that qualification in accordance with the General System.

6. A qualification or qualifications obtained in the State which, in the opinion of the Council, is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required under paragraphs 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 set forth above, having carried out a holistic assessment of the person’s qualification(s), training and experience.

ROUTE 4: OTHER

1. A person who applies to be entered on the register on the basis of qualifications as a teacher under this route shall satisfy the Council that he or she was previously registered under Regulation 3 (Montessori and Other Categories) of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009 or under Route 4 (Other) of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.

2. Has obtained a qualification or qualifications in special needs education outside of the State which, in the opinion of the Council is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required under paragraph 1 set forth above, having conducted an assessment of that qualification in accordance with the General System.

ROUTE 5: STUDENT TEACHERS

A person who applies to be entered on the register as a student teacher shall satisfy the Council that they are a registered student undertaking an undergraduate degree referred to in paragraph 1 of Route 1 or paragraph 1 of Route 2 and has successfully completed year two of that undergraduate degree.

The Minister for Education and Youth consents to the making of the foregoing Regulations.

/images/ls

GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Minister for Education and Youth,

16 October, 2025.

HELEN MCENTEE,

Minister for Education and Youth.

/images/ls

GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Teaching Council of the Teaching Council of Ireland,

16 October, 2025.

EAMON DENNEHY,

Chairperson.

DR. LYNN RAMSEY,

Director.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

These Regulations are made under sections 4 , 29 , 31 and 33 of the Teaching Council Act 2001 . They provide for a number of matters in relation to the register of teachers and the registration, and renewal of registration, of teachers on that register.

These Regulations revoke the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016, the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016, the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 and the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

These Regulations may be cited as the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2025.

1 OJ No. L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22

2 OJ No. L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 141.

3 OJ No. L 320, 6.12.2007, p. 3

4 OJ No. L 205, 1.8.2008, p. 10.

5 OJ No. L 311, 21.11.2008, p. 1.

6 OJ No. L 93, 7.4.2009, p. 11.

7 OJ No. L 59, 4.3.2011, p. 4.

8 OJ No. L 112, 24.4.2012, p. 6.

9 OJ No. L 180, 12.7.2012, p. 9.

10 OJ No. L 158, 10.6.2013, p. 368.

11 OJ No. L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 132.

12 The Teaching Council, may at its discretion, grant conditional registration to applicants to permit the completion of qualifications under Route 3, paragraph 2.

13 The Teaching Council, may at its discretion, grant conditional registration to applicants to permit the completion of qualifications under Route 3, paragraph 3.