Vol. 556 No. 3
363 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a teacher with a degree in physical education and English who has primary qualified teacher status and 12 years' work experience in the UK cannot teach primary school pupils here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19981/02]
A degree in physical education and English would normally entitle the holder to sec ondary teacher recognition following assessment by the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers. This allows the holders to be appointed to full time positions in second level schools.
However, the Department will grant restricted recognition to qualified second level teachers to teach in a permanent capacity in special schools, where a proportion of the pupils attending the school are of post primary age – 12 years or older – and where second level programmes are being provided by the school. This recognition applies to all suitably qualified second level teachers and not just to holders of a bachelor of arts and higher diploma. In addition, secondary qualified teachers holding temporary or substitute posts at primary level are being paid at the fully trained rates.
Further details in relation to the recognition of teaching qualifications for the purpose of teaching in national schools are contained in departmental circular 25/00. I have asked my officials to send a copy to the Deputy.
364 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to extend the conversion course for primary teaching to other locations around the country; his plans to develop a distance learning course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19982/02]
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. There are five such colleges in the State, four in Dublin and one in Limerick.
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.
