Vol. 560 No. 1
356 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the meaning of the statement, "relevant qualifications in Irish", in relation to the proposed modular courses for primary teachers in order to grant them the fully qualified status. [1102/03]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is examining the feasibility of providing a modular course for second level trained teachers who are currently teaching in primary schools with a view to enabling them to become fully qualified primary teachers. It is hoped to discuss proposals with the colleges of education in the near future.
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.
The approved equivalents in respect of this Irish requirement can be found on the Department's website under the teacher training category of the learners and trainees section. This requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish. In the event of a modular course being introduced, it is expected that this requirement would also apply.
