Vol. 512 No. 1
107 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science further to previous parliamentary questions regarding student numbers and actual space and facilities within colleges of education, his views on whether the quality of the bachelor of education students who come out to teach children is being maintained at the same levels as in the past in view of increasing numbers and lack of capital investment. [25355/99]
I am aware that there has been an increased intake by the colleges in the teacher education sector as a result of the growing need in this area. The additional student numbers have been accommodated by the variable use of space by the colleges and through the use of rented and temporary accommodation.
My Department is currently involved in discussions with the colleges of education regarding their capital development plans.
I am satisfied that the quality of the bachelor of education qualification is as good as in the past.
