Vol. 482 No. 6
491 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he will not grant teachers with the St. Nicholas Montessori qualification the same status as association Montessori international teachers; if he will meet with the St. Nicholas Montessori Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19189/97]
I recently announced my intention to set up a national forum on early education. The recognition of Montessori and other early childhood qualifications will be considered by the forum.
I am happy to inform the Deputy that I have arranged to meet representatives of the St. Nicholas Montessori Society. I should also point out that a senior official of my Department recently met with a representative of the society to discuss a range of issues including the recognition of the St. Nicholas Montessori qualification.
