The performance of the new Teaching Council will be measured in part by the manner in which it deals with underperforming teachers, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said yesterday.
She was speaking at the official launch of the council, which will be responsible for regulating and maintaining standards in the profession.
From now on, all teachers will be required to register with the council and those guilty of serious professional malpractice will face deregistration.
Ms Hanafin acknowledged on RTÉ radio recently that schools found it very difficult to take effective action against underperforming teachers.
Official Department of Education figures show that two post-primary and four primary teachers were dismissed for disciplinary reasons since 1999.
Joan Ward, chairwoman of the council, said it would represent a new model of self-regulation, where the stress would be on partnership and openness. The objectives of the Teaching Council are:
- to regulate the teaching profession and the professional conduct of teachers;
- to establish and promote the maintenance and improvement of standards in teacher education and training;
- to promote the continuing education, training and professional development of teachers.
The council is made up of 37 members including 11 primary teachers, nine of whom are elected and two of whom are teacher union nominees. There are also 11 post-primary teachers, seven of whom are elected and four of whom are teacher union nominees.
Other nominees include those drawn from the colleges of education and third-level colleges, as well as school management and parents' associations. The minister has also nominated five members, including one representing each of Ibec and Ictu.
Ms Hanafin said the new council represented an important milestone in the history of the Irish education system.
"For the first time, teachers through their democratically elected representatives, together with parents, unions and management will work collectively as a council to promote and regulate teaching as a profession . . . All aspects of its work will be towards achieving the highest standards of teaching and learning in our schools."
John Carr, general secretary of the INTO, said no occupational group could simply claim professional freedom and control. "Professional endorsement and recognition is given in return for the delivery of a high-quality and effective service," he said.