Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Kildare Teachers' Centre.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction the Kildare Teachers Centre, which has the unanimous support of the members of Kildare County Council; if the necessary finance will be available in 1995 in view of the extra demand arising from the increased population in the area and the geographical location of the centre serving a 1,200 teacher catchment area; the criteria to be applied in the determination of the location of such centres nationally; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Kildare Centre is already functioning on a voluntary basis; if she has received a submission from the group setting out the requirements of the centre; if she will respond favourably to this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2210/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Officials of my Department met recently with representatives of the Kildare Teacher Centre and were presented with a submission on the question of formal recognition for the centre as part of the national network of teacher centres. The submission is being examined in the context of proposals on the future development and organisation of the overall network, and the responses to a discussion paper issued recently on the matter to the Association of Teacher Centres in Ireland. No decisions will be made until the consultative process has been completed.

In developing the overall network, the location of centres will be determined by reference to the need for all schools to have access to a centre within a reasonable distance; the cost effectiveness of the overall network, the spread of teacher/school population within catchment areas, teacher interest and local needs. The strengthening of the network of teacher centres is a critical element in the strategy to enhance the quality and responsiveness of educational provision at the first and second levels of the system.

My Department has provided funding for a range of in-career development courses organised locally by the Kildare centre.