Vol. 513 No. 1
726 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a postgraduate course in primary school teaching (details supplied) has been scheduled to run in September or October 2000 in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1223/00]
As a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers, my Department requested the colleges of education to provide an 18 month postgraduate course to enable degree holders train as primary teachers. The course was first provided in 1995-96. It was repeated in 1997-98 and a further course is nearing completion.
Future intake and output requirements in primary teacher training are the subject of ongoing review between my Department, the colleges and the Higher Education Authority. The need for a further postgraduate course for primary teaching was considered in that context and it was decided to run another course to commence in February 2000. This course has been extensively advertised in the media.
If the ongoing review process identifies the need for a further course, consultation will take place with the colleges of education on the timing of such a course. At this juncture it is not possible to say if or when that will happen.
