22 December 2015
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Jonathan O’Brien TD calls for clarity from Teaching Council of Ireland.
Jonathan O’Brien TD (Cork North Central) is Sinn Fein’s spokesman on Education
Speaking today, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Deputy O’Brien called for further clarity from the Teaching Council regarding their policy on payment of the registration fee prior commencement of Section 30 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001 – 2015.
The Cork North Central TD said;
“I have been contacted by teachers who feel that they were somewhat duped by the Teaching Council in being compelled to pay registration fees when they were not legally obliged to do so.
“I have heard anecdotal evidence of threats of wages being withheld unless persons registered, which if correct, is completely unacceptable.
“We fully support the work of the Teaching Council and the registration of teachers but the conduct of regulatory bodies must be fair and transparent.
“The Teaching Council have acknowledged that some teachers may have found the tone of their communications “offensive” but what is actually needed is clarity from them as to whether they actually compelled people to register under duress and we will be seeking that from them.”
