Teacher Training Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2014

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Questions (245)

Michael Lowry

Question:

245. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the decision made by her predecessor in 2012 which removed the subsidy that was granted to student teachers to undertake a mandatory Gaeltacht placement; if her attention has been drawn to the huge additional costs being imposed on student teachers due to this decision; if she will confirm the annual cost of this subsidy to the State in 2012; her views on whether this decision was fair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36354/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I acknowledge that the cost of the Gaeltacht Placement is a significant cost to students and their families. However, the decision to abolish the grants was not taken lightly, and it has to be viewed in the context of the prevailing requirement to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies where possible. In making difficult decisions such as this, priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible in the coming years, which is especially challenging with rising numbers of school-going children. The requirement for two separate two week placements is part of the Teaching Council's revised requirements for Gaeilge in Initial Teacher Education. The DES supports the changes as they contribute to overall quality improvement. For the reasons I have outlined, I am not in a position at this time to reinstate funding to this area. In 2012 my Department paid a total of €862,682 to Irish Summer Colleges in respect of student teachers' attendance at Gaeltacht courses.