Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

566 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will put in place courses for graduates with a BA to gain primary teacher qualifications through evening, weekend, summer or correspondence courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15995/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

At present, the courses run in the State that allow for appointment to a permanent post in a primary school are the Bachelor of Education degree and the 18-month graduate diploma in primary teaching. Both of these courses are run in the colleges of education, which specialise in the training of primary teachers.

The graduate diploma course is a full-time course run to enable third level graduates to train as primary teachers.

All aspects of primary teacher training are the subject of ongoing review between my Department and the colleges of education. My Department is also examining further options for addressing the teacher supply issue in consultation with relevant interests.