Vol. 533 No. 3
322 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position concerning entry into the home economics teaching course at Sion Hill, Blackrock, County Dublin; if it is possible that the minimum entry requirements to this course could be achieved by a combination of academic achievement in the leaving certificate and practical experience and further educational achievements in similar courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8675/01]
The entry requirements for admission to the home economics teacher training course in St. Catherine's college of education are as agreed between my Department and the college. In addition to meeting the entry requirements, candidates must also satisfy the matriculation requirements of the University of Dublin, otherwise known as Trinity College, to which St. Catherine's is affiliated.
In the case of school leavers, entry to the course is through the CAO and points are calculated by reference to attainment in one sitting of the leaving certificate examination. In the case of mature students, consideration may be given to relevant experience related to practical elements of the course.
Requirements in this area are kept under review by my Department, in conjunction with the authorities of the home economics colleges, and are also being considered by the working group set up to review the full-time pre-service teacher training courses.
