Trevor Sargent
Ceist:132 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for the introduction of a further cycle of the graduate courses in education colleges. [18797/95]
Written Answers. - Graduate Courses.
The current post-graduate course in the colleges of education for primary teachers was introduced as a "once-off" 18 month course to enable persons with third-level degrees to train as primary teachers and will end in June 1996.
The White Paper on Education recognises the benefits to the teaching profession of entrants to the colleges of education from among graduates in other disciplines. In that context, the White Paper indicates that the present arrangements for these purposes will be further developed, in consultation with the colleges of education, having regard to the projected demand for primary teachers.
Accordingly, my Department will be consulting with the colleges of education in the light of the provisions in the White Paper and the experience of the present post-graduate course which comes to an end in June 1996.