Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teacher Training.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

74 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction continuation of the graduate diploma in education, primary teaching, at St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 in 1996 in view of the shortage of primary school teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2852/96]

Matt Brennan

Question:

101 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to increase the intake to the education colleges for the academic year 1996-1997; the further plans, if any, she has to reintroduce the graduate diploma in education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3656/96]

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

106 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education if she will reintroduce the graduate diploma in education in the primary teaching training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2984/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 101 and 106 together.

The current postgraduate course in the colleges of education was introduced on a "once-off" basis and is due to end in June 1996. However, the White Paper on Education recognises the benefits to the teaching profession of entrants from a variety of backgrounds including graduates in other disciplines. It also provides that the present arrangements for these purposes will be further developed, in consultation with the colleges of education, having regard to the projected demand for primary teachers. I am, at present, awaiting a report from the colleges of education on their experience with the operation of the current postgraduate course. That report will be taken into account when decisions are being made on the intake to the colleges of education for the academic year 1996-97.

On a general basis, the intake to the colleges of education is closely allied to movements in the pupil-teacher ratio, the number of teachers retiring or otherwise leaving the teaching profession, and the number of teachers taking career breaks. Projections for a number of these variables are not yet available.

When these projections have been finalised, and the report referred to earlier has been received, decisions will be made on the number of students to be admitted to colleges of education.