Vol. 480 No. 6
562 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education the discussions, if any, he will have on the allocation of places for the Higher Diploma in Education which includes a lottery system in some third-level colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/97]
The admission arrangements to the higher diploma in education courses are a matter for the relevant university. I understand that these admission arrangements involve a lottery system in relation to a limited number of places in two of the universities - the National University of Ireland, Dublin and the National University of Ireland, Galway.
A working group, under the aegis of the Higher Education Authority, is undertaking an in-depth review of future needs for second-level teachers. This review is focussing both on total needs and needs by subject grouping, where feasible. The working group is examining all relevant factors such as pupil numbers, pupil teacher ratios, teacher retirements and career breaks. The recommendations of this working group, when received, may have implications for the admission arrangements.
