Who is affected?
This only affects Hibernia graduates who have graduated since the IEC (Irish Episcopal Conference) last issued an update on the recognition of the Catholic Cert as issued by the teacher training colleges in Ireland, in 2011. Any graduates prior to this should not be affected.
*Edit: It has been revealed that Hibernia, contrary to prior reports, was never on the list of approved college issued by the IEC. Therefore this affects all Hibernia graduates who will seek employment in schools.
Does it affect all graduates?
If you have a degree in religion or theology you are no affected.
Should I continue to apply for jobs?
This only affects Catholic schools so you can still apply for jobs in all other (CofI, CNS, ET) schools without issue.
Can I still apply for jobs in Catholic schools?
I would. You can be hired on condition that you complete the Catholic cert within a specified time frame, similar to those who train outside Ireland have to do with the Irish and Catholic Cert.
Where can I do an upgrade course?
Hopefully Hibernia will be offering one very soon if they need to.
What are Hibernia doing about this?
Hibernia are in talks with the IEC to be re included on the list of approved courses. Naturally this will have caused a lot of bad publicity for the college and they will want it rectified as soon as possible. It is not in their interests for this to drag on or for it to have an unsuccessful conclusion. They will want the best possible outcome for all their graduates and current students.
What should I do now?
Keep applying for jobs. There are loads of them advertised at the moment. Don't let this put you off for a moment applying for any job you want. If the school wants you they will just attach a condition of completing the Catholic cert but it should not stop them offering you a post if you are the best applicant.
I hope this sheds some light on the issue and makes it a little clearer for you. If you have any questions please ask and I will do my best to answer them.
*****EDIT*****
This issue has been resolved and the Hibernia Religion Cert is now recognised by the Episcopal Council