Vol. 404 No. 9
46 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if there is any intention to seek the closure of the teacher training departments in universities; and, if so, if the staff currently employed in these Departments will be redeployed.
52 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if the Government plan to close the education department in three of the five universities providing a higher diploma in education courses is in the long term interests of the education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
239 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education her views on whether the annual output of post primary teachers remains too high because of projected pupil numbers for future years.
240 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on recent reports that three of the country's five university departments providing higher diplomas in education are facing closure because of a new Government plan.
242 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education if she will give an assurance that University College Cork will not lose its higher diploma in education course because of Government policy.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 52, 239, 240 and 242 together. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to enter into discussions with the relevant colleges with a view to the reduction in the number of Education Departments.
This decision will be the subject of consultation with the colleges concerned, taking account of all relevant considerations (including teacher output and staffing implications) and the Deputies will appreciate that it would be premature for me to comment in greater detail, at this early stage.
