Vol. 495 No. 7
747 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to alleviate the difficulties encountered in schools when seeking trained substitute teachers to cover for classroom teachers who are absent in the event of sickness or maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21795/98]
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 ensured that there are more than 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 post-graduate 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 a degree holders who hold the Higher Diploma in Education and who either have 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 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 they have Irish to Grade C at higher level leaving certificate or its equivalent.
