The new Teaching Council has the potential to enhance the status of the profession, according to Minister for Education Mary Hanafin.
Speaking at the official launch of the council, she said the new body faces a very significant challenge in creating for itself a position of genuine respect and credibility in the Irish education sector.
She said the State had been "well served by teachers throughout the generations. It is right that we entrust them with a much greater say in the regulation of their own profession".
The role of the Teaching Council is broadly similar to that of the Medical Council and other regulatory bodies for the professions.
Among other areas it will:
Establish a register of all teachers;
Advise the Minister on the minimum standards of education attainment required for entry into initial teacher education programmes;
Draw up codes of professional practice for teachers;
Investigate and, where appropriate, apply sanctions in relation to the professional misconduct or fitness to practise of any member.
The Teaching Council has 37 members, 22 of whom are teachers.
INTO general secretary John Carr said the council's greatest challenge would be to ensure the proper supply of fully qualified primary teachers.
"Teacher numbers have been mismanaged to a remarkable extent in Ireland . . . The council must establish procedures for teacher recognition that take account of the changing needs of the system and the changed circumstances in which teachers are trained. We must get well-trained teachers recognised properly."
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (Asti) said the council was an important step forward for the teaching professions.
Acting Asti general secretary John White said: "The council will play an important role in enhancing the status of teaching and the teaching profession. The Teaching Council will also provide teachers with the opportunity to contribute to the development of their profession."
General secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association Michael Moriarty said the council would play a vital role in the professional development of teaching.
