Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 8

Written Answers. - Early Start Programme.

Mary Harney

Ceist:

82 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to employ Montessori teachers in the early start project; her views on whether the type of training received by Montessori teachers is directly relevant to the early start programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16294/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

It is not intended that Montessori trained teachers be appointed to the early start pre-schools.

The early start pre-schools are being developed as an integral part of the primary schools to which they are attached. Each pre-school is therefore staffed by fully qualified primary teachers and qualified childcare assistants.

My Department recognises the Montessori diploma awarded on successful completion of the three year course at the Montessori College, Mount St. Mary's, Dundrum Road, Milltown, Dublin 14, formally Sion Hill. Persons holding this diploma may be granted exceptional recognition in special schools for children with mental handicap, emotional disturbance or hearing impairment.

However, the qualification does not meet the training qualification requirements of primary school teachers.

Primary school teachers appointed to the early start programme must be qualified to maintain deployment mobility within the schools' staff and in the primary school system generally. Consequently, the Montessori teachers cannot be appointed to the early start programme.