Vol. 542 No. 5
483 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that adults who have obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in local and community studies from Maynooth University are deemed ineligible to participate in the higher diploma course in education or the postgraduate course to qualify for primary school teaching; if he will have this matter reviewed urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25255/01]
Admission to the Higher Diploma in Education course is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of the university concerned. However, admission to the course is generally confined to those applicants who hold a third level qualification that is recognised for the purposes of teaching in a second level school. The Registration Council is a statutory body charged with the recognition of qualifications for the purpose of teaching in secondary schools. In this context, it is necessary for a teacher to hold a degree or equivalent qualification and a teacher training qualification both of which must be recognised by the Registration Council.
In order for such qualifications to be considered for general recognition, the awarding authority must apply to the Registration Council for recognition. I understand that, to date, the Registration Council has received no such application in respect of the qualification in question. If the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, wishes to apply for recognition of the qualification, the Registration Council will process the application in accordance with the council's normal procedures.
In relation to the postgraduate diploma in primary teaching, part of the academic requirements for admission to the course is that applicants are required to have an approved third level degree. As is the case with the Higher Diploma in Education, admission to the postgraduate diploma is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of the colleges of education.
In addition to an approved third level degree, persons applying for the postgraduate diploma in primary teaching must also have secured an honour in Irish and a pass in both English and Mathematics in the leaving certificate examination or approved equivalents.
