Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 4

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

John Perry

Question:

163 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a teacher with a secondary level qualification cannot be made a permanent teacher at primary level without completing the 18 month transition course from secondary teaching to primary teaching; the plans he has to make this course available in County Sligo in view of the teacher staffing difficulties, as at present many teachers are unable to attend this course as it is only available in County Dublin and County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25375/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

At present, the only courses run in the State which allow for appointment to a permanent post in a primary school are the bachelor of education degree and the 18-month post-graduate diploma in primary teaching. Both of these courses are run in the colleges of education, which specialise in the training of primary teachers.

The 18-month course is a full-time course run to enable third level graduates to train as primary teachers rather than a transition course designed for secondary teachers who wish to become primary teachers.

The course was introduced as a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers and was first provided in the 1995-96 academic year. I have recently approved the running of a further 18-month course to commence early in 2001. Eligible secondary teachers may apply for this course in the normal way.

County Sligo already has a teacher training col lege specialising in the training of teachers of home economics and there are no plans at present to establish a primary teacher training college there.