Nora Owen
Ceist:122 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to allow persons who have experience as untrained temporary teachers to have access to courses which will allow them gain recognition. [11837/00]
Written Answers. - Primary Teachers.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a range of measures were introduced by this Government to boost substantially the supply of trained primary teachers.
The intake of trainee primary teachers to the colleges of education was increased substantially in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 sessions. The total projected intake in the 1999-2000 academic year is 1,283 compared with an intake of 500 in 1996-97.
Between the 2000 and 2001 academic years it is projected that approximately 1,900 newly trained teachers shall graduate from the colleges of education. This represents a huge increase in the number of trained graduates as compared with 1995 when 291 graduated.
Persons who hold a primary degree may apply for admission to a post graduate course conducted by the primary teacher training colleges. These courses are conducted when it is deemed necessary to increase the supply of qualified pri mary teachers and there are currently two courses being conducted. The courses, which are generally of 18 months duration, enable a primary degree holder become fully qualified for appointment in a primary school.
However, there are no proposals at present to establish a course to enable persons without a degree serving as unqualified substitute or temporary teachers gain recognition as fully qualified primary teachers.