Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
453 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria on competence in Gaeilge for degree-holders who are taking up the conversion course to primary teaching; and if a person who has honours in leaving certificate Irish would automatically meet the entry criteria and be able to pick up the required teaching competence in Gaeilge during the course of the 18-month conversion course. [1471/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the minimum academic entry requirements specified by my Department for the postgraduate diploma in primary teaching, all candidates must have a minimum of a grade C at higher level in Irish in the leaving certificate or an approved equivalent. This requirement embodies both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish. My Department considers it to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course which will equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels in primary schools.
