275 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary is now being probated by his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was fully trained and probated in her own country; and the reason for the need for probation now in view of the fact that this person was given a permanent post in February 2001. [29966/03]

The teacher in question holds a permanent teaching post in a special school using her restricted recognition, which was granted to her with effect from 1 September 2000. Circular letter 25/00, which governs the recognition of teacher qualifications for the purpose of teaching in national schools, clearly stipulates that teachers who are granted restricted recognition must undergo a one year probationary period in this State regardless of experience abroad.