Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Higher Diploma in Education Courses.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

219 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the total number of higher diplomas in education places approved for 1995-96; the number of applications received to date; the breakdown of places by discipline/area, including science, mathematics, modern continental languages, Irish, maths and computing and any other discipline listed; the selection criteria used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13078/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Higher Education Authority has the statutory responsibility to advise me on the need and demand for higher education. The authority has recommended that 800 Higher Diploma in Education places be provided in 1995-96 and I have accepted this recommendation.

There are five colleges in the university sector with education departments. Each of these colleges is involved in the provision of Higher Diploma in Education courses. Data are not readily available in my Department about the number of applications and the breakdown of places by discipline. I will however arrange for the information to be collated and conveyed to the Deputy.

The college authorities reserve the right to select the students they admit to any course. With regard to the selection of students for admission to the higher diploma in education course I understand that criteria such as academic attainments, the appropriateness of a student's degree subjects, relevant teaching experience and the quality of the student's application are taken into account in determining whether a student's application will be successful.