Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Joe Costello

Question:

148 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the current method of treating teachers trained outside the Republic of Ireland who apply for recognition from his Department, particularly to review the present SCG exam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30583/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Courses specifically designed to cater for teachers trained outside Ireland who wish to sit for the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge, SCG, are run by a number of education centres throughout the country. Funding towards the running of these courses, among others, is provided to education centres by my Department. The question of course provision and the level of courses provided is a matter for decision by the education centres and is influenced by the demand for such courses.

I established a working group to review all aspects of the syllabus and examination for the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge in 2001. Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann, the colleges of education, primary school management organisations, the INTO, the National Parents Council, primary, and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment were represented on this working group. Organisations were invited to submit proposals as part of the review of the SCG and all such proposals were given full consideration by the working group in preparing its report.

The report of the working group has now been finalised and is being presented to my Department. To date, the review group has drafted a revised syllabus. The revised syllabus was circulated to all schools in December 2002 and the SCG examinations held on 29, 30 and 31 October 2003 were the first series of SCG examinations to be based on this syllabus. The review group has also drafted a handbook for the examination. The handbook will contain detailed information on the SCG and will provide answers to a wide range of questions raised by candidates. The review committee is also recommending changes to the content and format of the examination modules to take effect possibly from the autumn of 2004. It is also planned to produce a textbook of relevant prose.