Vol. 508 No. 1
871 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to relax the rule of honours leaving certificate Irish for graduates who wish to pursue a B.Ed. degree for primary teaching and, in particular, in relation to a person (details supplied). [17793/99]
As part of the minimum academic requirements specified by my Department for entry to primary teacher training, all candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates, must have a minimum of a grade C in higher level in Irish in the leaving certificate, or an approved equivalent. This requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish. My Department considers it to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course which will equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels of the primary school.
While I have no plans to amend this requirement, requirements in this area are kept under review by my Department in consultation with the authorities of the colleges of education, and are also being considered by the working group established by me to review the full-time pre-service teacher training courses.
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot make any exceptions to this requirement for an individual.
