Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
277 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision made by the authorities at the Froebel College, Blackrock, to improve their competence in oral Irish; the entry requirements of the college in this area of study; and if it is possible for students to progress to their final year of study without having passed their oral Irish examination. [17496/04]
View answerMy Department specifies the minimum academic requirements for entry to primary teacher training courses provided in the colleges of education, including the Froebel College of Education. As part of these requirements, 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 requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish. My Department considers it to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course that will equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels in primary schools.
The selection process for school leavers is through the CAO system. Mature students and graduates who satisfy the minimum academic requirements are required to undergo an interview and oral Irish test. All students are also required to attend a three week course in the Gaeltacht at the end of their first year in training. In addition, students are subject to an oral Irish test at the end of their first year of training, a pass in which is necessary in order to continue to the second year of the course. Students who fail the test may, at the discretion of the college, be allowed to repeat it following attendance at a Gaeltacht course.
