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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mature Students.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

304 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision for teacher training places for mature students; the number of places for mature students; the colleges in which these places are; the increase, if any, planned in the number of mature students in the forthcoming academic year and future years; the other changes, if any, proposed; the age limit and qualifications required for a mature student to be accepted into teacher training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10650/98]

Special provision is made for the annual recruitment of mature students to the full-time pre-service training programme leading to the award of the B.Ed. degree in the colleges of education for primary teachers. There is a minimum age limit of 23 years. The minimum academic requirements are generally the same as for school-leavers. Once mature applicants have satisfied the minimum entry requirements, selection is on the basis of a competitive interview and an oral Irish test.

The exact number of places for mature students is decided each year following consultation between my Department and the colleges of education about the overall intake to the B.Ed. degree programme and also having regard to the number of applicants from mature students. I have been informed by the authorities in the colleges that the numbers of mature students currently registered on the B.Ed. degree programme is as follows:

St. Patrick's, Drumcondra

48

Mary Immaculate, Limerick

34

Church of Ireland College of Education

3

Froebel College, Sion Hill

14

St. Mary's, Marino

13

112

I would also point out that the 18 months post-graduate training course, which is held periodically, provides a further avenue of entry to primary teaching for mature students who are degree-holders. That course was provided in the colleges of education in 1995/96 — 180 places — and in 1997/98 — 150 places — and plans are in train to run it again in 1999/2000 — the number of places will be decided in consultation with the colleges. As well as a recognised degree, applicants must possess prescribed leaving certificate examination grades in Irish, English and mathematics. Selection is by way of competitive interview and oral Irish test.
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