Professional qualifications

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 370

by Mr LORENZI

Doc. 7741

27 January 1997

Mr LORENZI,

Considering that a draft law currently being debated by the Italian Parliament on the methods of holding competitions for academic posts in universities refers to the need to be in possession of an "abilitazione scientifica" (scientific qualification for higher education teachers) - with emphasis on the word "scientific" - in order to take part in these competitions (the examination serving to verify that qualification);

In the light of previous Council of Europe documents, to ask the Committee of Ministers whether it considers this inappropriate and if it would not be more appropriate to ask for an "abilitazione accademica", that is to say, a qualification for higher education teachers (without the emphasis on "scientific"). The word "scientific" does not appear to reflect the range of subjects taught at any European university;

Furthermore, does the Committee of Ministers agree that the term is ambiguous and that its use could be exploited in a way that could result in a lowering of professional qualifications in comparison with all other member states of the Council of Europe.

Signed:

Luciano LORENZI