Vol. 571 No. 3
72 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that there is sufficient special needs training being provided to student teachers at both primary and second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21560/03]
The existing full-time programmes of pre-service teacher training (primary) in the colleges of education contain appropriate elements to assist the student teachers in recognising and dealing with children with special needs. Students undertaking the bachelor of education degree or the graduate diploma in education (primary teaching) in St. Patrick's and Mary Immaculate Colleges of Education now follow a course module on special education. This module covers the broad range of issues in special education.
In the Church of Ireland and Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Colleges of Education, particular attention is paid to special needs and learning difficulties arising from various factors under Method Studies in English and Mathematics. In the case of the Froebel College of Education, students have a course module under Remedial Work. This deals with learning difficulties arising from special needs.
