asked the Minister for Education if it is now compulsory for newly-qualified national teachers to spend a period in the Gaeltacht before they will be eligible for positions in national schools; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newly-Qualified National Teachers.
14.
The answer to the Deputy's question is no. The position is that heretofore all teachers were required to reach the standard necessary for the bilingual certificate at the final training college examination in Irish in order that they might be regarded as qualified national teachers on the results of that examination. Two years ago, as part of the emphasis which I desired to place on the spoken tongue, I decided that candidates then entering the training colleges would not be required to qualify for a bilingual certificate at the conclusion of their training course in 1963. I substituted for that qualification a provision that within five years of the date of the commencement of their service as national teachers they would be required to obtain a certificate of competency in oral Irish.
To assist them in their preparation for the latter certificate and with a view to encouraging them to spend periods practising the speaking of the language with native speakers, I initiated a scheme whereby a grant of £15 would be paid for a month's sojourn in the Gaeltacht. Teachers are free to avail themselves of this grant three times in all. They are not compelled to do so.