Vol. 300 No. 3
asked the Minister for Education how many graduates applied for consideration as approved teachers under the scheme to introduce 600 untrained teachers into primary schools; whether applications from graduates were solicited by his Department by public advertisement or otherwise; and the method of selection employed.
284.
asked the Minister for Education the total number of individuals who actually took up the offer of places on the pre-employment courses for 600 trainee primary teachers organised by his Department; and the location, duration, and attendance on each such course.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
The number of applicants was 1,180. The scheme was advertised in the national daily newspapers and also on radio and television. The graduates were called for interview in the colleges of education during the period 6th-16th September, 1977. The interview boards comprised representatives of my Department and of the college authorities. The purpose of the interview was to decide as to their general suitability and to test the adequacy of their standard in oral Irish.
A total of 398 graduates attended the introductory courses which were held in Limerick and Carysfort colleges of education in the last week of September, 1977. The attendance of the Limerick course was 214 and that at Carysfort 184.
I may add that the graduates selected and appointed under this scheme will not be approved teachers: they will be special trainee teachers.
