Vol. 495 No. 7
673 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase the intake of students to colleges of education in order that there will be sufficient teachers to meet the needs of students (details supplied); if he will clarify the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21086/98]
The Deputy will be aware that since I came into office, I have introduced a range of measures which are designed to boost substantially the supply of trained teachers. Specifically, I have ensure that there are over 1,000 places available in the colleges of education during the current academic year. This includes 730 students who will pursue the three year B.Ed. degree programme while 280 degree holders will be admitted to an 18 month full-time postgraduate course.
In addition, B.Ed. graduates of St. Mary's College, Belfast who have studied Irish to honours level as an academic subject as part of their teaching qualification will be recognised as fully trained.
I am also examining the possibility of the University of Limerick providing a one year conversion course for degree holders, who hold the higher diploma in education and who have either Irish as part of their degree or have Irish to Grade C at the leaving certificate or its equivalent.
I have further decided that, from 1 September 1998, all primary degree holders who also hold the higher diploma in education will be recognised as fully trained for the purposes of providing substitution service provided that they have Irish to Grade C at higher level leaving certificate standard or its equivalent.
Finally, Montessori trained teachers who successfully completed the course of three years duration at St. Nicholas, Dún Laoghaire, and which is recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards, will, from 1 September 1998, be granted recognition as fully trained substitutes provided that they have Irish to Grade C at higher level leaving certificate or its equivalent.
