New rules on how members of the public can make complaints about teachers have been given a cautious welcome by a local INTO representative.
Under the Fitness to Teach guidelines, teachers found guilty of misconduct could be banned from the classroom.
The system, which comes into force today, aims to make it easier to lodge complaints about teachers.
Parents, students and other teachers can report complaints to the Teaching Council, and students could be called on to give evidence before Fitness to Teach inquiries.
Brendan Horan, who is the INTO's representative in Clare says while he's glad the rules are being implemented, it's important that the good name of teachers is protected.
The new rules were announced earlier by Minister for Education Richard Bruton.
He insists they will help raise standards.
It's thought up to 30 teachers a year could face hearings conducted by the Teaching Council that controls the professional register.
The Director of the Teaching Council, Tomás O’Ruairc, says there are a range of sanctions that can now be used.
