Vol. 540 No. 2
258 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which an honours graduate in humanities, without a higher diploma, can obtain the necessary qualifications to become a primary school teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20463/01]
The courses run in the State which allow for appointment to a permanent post in a primary school are the bachelor of education degree and the 18 month postgraduate diploma in primary teaching. Both of these courses are run in the colleges of education which specialise in the training of primary teachers. The 18 month course is a full-time course run to enable third level graduates to train as primary teachers. The course was introduced as a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers. It was first provided in the 1995-96 academic year and has been repeated on a number of occasions since then. The most recent course commenced in February of this year. My Department is currently in consultation with the colleges of education about arrangements for a further 18 month course. The timing and details will be announced when the consultation process is complete.
