asked the Minister for Education the likely output of trained teachers from primary teacher training colleges in each of the next three years; the total cost to the State of subsidisation of primary teacher training; the average cost to the State of each primary teacher trained; the employment prospects of primary teachers leaving training colleges over the next three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Primary Teacher Output.
202.
The likely output of graduates from the primary teacher training colleges in 1988, 1989 and 1990 will be 600, 600 and 550 respectively.
The net provision in 1987 for the training of primary teachers is £7,588,000 which represent an average cost at current rates of £12,647 over a three year period for each teacher trained. This figure excludes the cost of grants paid to college of education students under the terms of the higher education grants scheme, for which separate figures are not available.
I am confident that despite falling enrolments in primary schools suitable employment opportunities will be available to our trainee teachers.