Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - Teacher Training Courses.

Richard Bruton

Question:

193 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the points differential for access to the Bachelor of Education course for students from the Gaeltacht compared to other students; the reason for this differential which stems from a regulation of his Department; and his views on whether advantages for Gaeltacht students are already in place within the leaving certificate and should not be in the entry requirements to particular courses. [25295/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the points differential in question. The background to this issue is that, in accordance with the long-standing policy in support of the Gaeltacht and Irish language, supported by all Governments, there is a provision whereby up to 10 per cent of the teacher training places in the colleges of education may be reserved for Gaeltacht applicants.

Gaeltacht applicants compete separately from other applicants for those places, and, given the fewer numbers of such applicants, this can mean that the points of some Gaeltacht applicants who are offered places are lower than otherwise required. It is important to point out that not all Gaeltacht applicants who secure places necessarily have lower points than other successful applicants. In addition, competence in the Irish language is a particular entry requirement for primary teacher training. The operation of the provision relating to Gaeltacht applicants is kept under continuous review in consultation with the authorities of the colleges of education.

The setting up of the commission on the points system in 1997 met a commitment in the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, to appoint a high-powered group to examine the points system. The commission issued a consultative process — background document in early 1998, which analyses the submissions made and outlines the research undertaken on behalf of the commission as well as examining international experience. The issues raised by the Deputy are among the issues that have been raised in the debate around the work of the commission. The commission is aiming to report in late spring-summer 1999.