I do not carry out the assessment, which is undertaken by my Department. The decision is based on an assessment of the needs of the system in subsequent years, taking into account changes in the pupil-teacher ratio, the number of retirements, possible retirement figures and other factors. In other words, the assessment covers any issue likely to affect the supply of teachers in the future. The number of teachers graduating from the full-time courses and the part-time postgraduate course, which currently stands at a record level, is also assessed. All these factors are taken into account when deciding how many places will be available on the postgraduate course.
The additional factor taken into account this year was the new graduate diploma course in primary education being provided by Hibernia College. The fact that 195 people have started the course with the possibility of a further 195 starting in February has had an effect. The reason for offering these courses is to try to guarantee an adequate supply of teachers for primary schools. The INTO and others have indicated they do not want any part-time or unqualified teachers in the system by 2005. It is an aim I hope to attain as well and it is on that basis that decisions are made about the supply of places on the postgraduate course.
As regards the modular courses, the Department of Education and Science asked the teacher training colleges earlier this year to come forward with proposals. They have not done so. They raised questions when they were asked. In the meantime, the Hibernia course was introduced and assessed. My Department takes the view that there is no need to continue talks on the modular course as the Hibernia course is filling the need.