The Teaching Council was established on a statutory basis in March 2006 to promote teaching as a profession at primary and post-primary levels, to promote the professional development of teachers and to regulate standards in the profession. Specifically its functions are as follows:

• to promote teaching as a profession
• to promote the continuing professional development of teachers
• to establish and maintain a register of teachers
• to establish, publish, review and maintain codes of professional conduct for teachers which include teaching knowledge, skill and competence
• to regulate the teaching profession
• to maintain and improve standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence.

The Council has set down the qualifications required for registration as a teacher in a recognised school. All existing teachers have been registered and are required to renew their registration on an annual basis with the payment of a fee (currently €90 per annum). When Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act is commenced only registered teachers may be paid out of public monies. Codes of professional conduct for teachers which include standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence have been published to which all practicing teachers are obliged to subscribe. The Council may be expected to play an increasing role in the regulation and the promotion of teaching as a profession.

Details of registration procedures and of the work of the Council may be obtained on the Council website at www. teachingcouncil.ie