Vol. 524 No. 1
163 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is permitting people who hold a degree in physics to undertake higher diploma courses in education at Maynooth University College, County Kildare; the circumstances in which this might be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21805/00]
The higher diploma in education applications centre was founded in 1998 to accept applications for admission to the higher diploma in education courses offered by the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland at Dublin, Cork, Galway and Maynooth. The centre operates a common application and common selection process on behalf of the relevant universities. The basic requirement for entry to the courses is an eligible primary degree of the National University of Ireland or its equivalent. In this context, eligible primary degrees are those deemed eligible by the registration council, which is a statutory body charged with the recognition of qualifications for the purpose of teaching in secondary schools.
Accordingly, I would suggest that the Deputy contact the Secretary, Registration Council, c/o Teachers Registration Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, County Westmeath, 0902 83823/83824 with details of the specific course involved to ascertain its recognition status.
