asked the Minister for Education if he will state (1) the number of teachers in training for primary or national schools during the session 1938-39, also for the session 1939-40; (2) the amount of the present State grant per head for the training of male teachers in (a) St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra; (b) Kildare Place College; (c) De La Salle Training College, Waterford; (d) Christian Brothers' Training College, Marino; and (3) what was the average cost per head to the State for the preparation for training in preparatory colleges of the male teachers at present in residence in each of the above-mentioned training colleges.
Written Answers. - Training of Teachers.
(1) The numbers for the year 1938-39 are 561, comprising 214 men and 347 women. The numbers for the year 1939-40 are 523, comprising 220 men and 303 women.
(2) The State grants normally paid to training colleges in respect of the training of men students are divided into two parts—(a) a grant of £45 per annum is paid on the licensed number, i.e. a certain maximum number determined from time to time in relation to the particular college. This grant is paid towards meeting the overhead charges. (b) A further sum of £30 per annum is paid towards the cost of maintenance of each student actually in residence in a college. The grants to St. Patrick's Training College and the Church of Ireland Training College, Kildare Place, (men students) are paid on this basis.
In the case of De La Salle College, Waterford, and of St. Mary's College, Marino, where religious communities are permitted to train members of their Orders, the State makes a grant of £45 per annum for each student.
(3) The total average cost to the State of a boy student in a preparatory college for the full period of the four years course is about £300.