Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Michael Bell

Question:

275 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, his Department has to grant recognition to St. Nicholas' Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire for their courses and student grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2500/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I recently launched the national forum on early childhood education and the question of the recognition of qualification from St. Nicholas' Montessori College and other early childhood qualifications will be considered by the forum in the overall context of childhood education services throughout the country.

The national forum will be representative of all groups involved in providing early childhood education services. The forum will bring together service providers and experts in the field for the purpose of advising on a strategy for the future development of early childhood education service. It will provide an opportunity for all interested groups to engage in a full exchange of views and for each group to put forward their own particular concerns and objectives. At the same time, it will take account of the objectives and concerns of the other partners in the process.

The position in relation to the student support schemes operated by my Department is that St. Nicholas' Montessori College is not an approved college for the purposes of the schemes. In this regard, the scope of these schemes is being considered as part of an ongoing review of the existing arrangements. This review will be completed in advance of the 1998 student support schemes. I should point out to the Deputy that any extension of the existing arrangements can only be considered in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.

Furthermore, I would point out that tax relief is available in respect of the National Diploma in Humanities in Montessori Education and the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in Montessori Education offered by St. Nicholas' Montessori College.