asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that recent regulations governing scholarships for pupils intending to become primary teachers operate to exclude pupils of a certain age group who could formerly compete.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Future Primary Teachers: Scholarships for Pupils.
56.
As I announced in Dáil Éireann last May when introducing the Estimates for my Department, the Preparatory College as a system of recruitment of candidates for national teaching is being discontinued. As against this, a system of scholarships has been instituted which will give much wider opportunities for Secondary Education, including courses leading to the teaching profession to Gaeltacht pupils. I have considered the question of the age groups that should be eligible for these scholarships and find that on educational grounds it is desirable that they should be available to pupils of not more than fourteen years of age.
Does the Minister think that he has given sufficient notice of this change in the regulations and if the notice given has left some children at a disadvantage would he consider allowing the existing regulations to obtain this year and bring in the new regulations in a future year?
I am considering the disadvantage at which some people may be placed this year. I believe that 14 should be the limit but I am considering the particular group that would be affected this year.
Will the Minister say if they may continue in a reasonable hope of favourable consideration?
They may continue in a hope of consideration.