Vol. 518 No. 5
204 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has set a requirement of honours Irish in the leaving certificate for the primary teaching conversion course; and the empirical evidence he has assembled which supports the view that a person with pass Irish is incompetent to teach at primary level. [12167/00]
As part of the minimum academic requirements specified by my Department for entry to primary teacher training all candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates, must have a minimum of a Grade C in higher level in Irish in the leaving certificate or an approved equivalent. This requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish. My Department considers it to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course which will equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels of the primary school.
Requirements in this area are kept under review by my Department in consultation with the authorities of the colleges of education, and are also being considered by the working group set up to review the full-time pre-service teacher training courses.
205 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he supports the concept of accreditation of prior learning in the sphere of recognition of qualification for teachers; and whether this should only apply to professions where his Department is not involved in determining the criteria of recognition. [12168/00]
The registration council for secondary teachers regulates the qualifications required for teachers for appointment in secondary schools. The council does not take into account at present the accreditation of prior learning in terms of the necessary qualifications which are deemed to be a recognised degree with a higher diploma in education. In the case of community and comprehensive schools, while my Department acts as the official recognition body for teacher qualifications, the same conditions apply.
Qualifications in the second level vocational sector are in accordance with Memorandum V7 where again a degree appropriate to the specific teaching post is required. In the case of vocational preparation and training and post-learning certificate courses, there is also provision for the acceptance of qualifications which would be acceptable in the colleges sector.
The situation may arise under the national qualifications authority whereby the accreditation of prior learning may contribute in part to the acquisition of the necessary qualifications at degree level for appointment as a teacher. I would welcome such accreditation as part of a more flexible provision of educational opportunities.
