Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1188 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction who undertook the Scrudú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge during the 2008/2009 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33413/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra1189 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction who passed the Scrudú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge during the 2008/2009 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33414/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1188 and 1189 together. My Department has made enquiries with Marino Institute of Education and the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction and who undertook all or part of the Scrudú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge (SCG) during the 2008/2009 academic year was 589. The SCG consists of 4 modules and candidates may take different modules in different years. The number who passed the SCG in this period was 413.
1190 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction who have opted for an adaptation period under the terms of Directive 2005/36/EC.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the terms of Directive 2005/36/EC the Teaching Council is the designated authority in Ireland for assessing applications for registration from persons recognised as teachers in other EU/EEA countries.
Where shortfalls are identified in the courses of study undertaken leading to the academic and professional qualifications held by such applicants, the applicant must be given the choice of addressing theses shortfalls by means of an aptitude test or by way of an adaptation period.
In relation to the primary sector, while shortfalls may arise in a variety of fields, such as curricular areas, the foundation disciplines, or age range, the most common shortfall to be addressed is in relation to the Irish language requirement.
I have made inquiries with the Teaching Council and from the 28th March 2006 to date, the number of primary teachers who trained in another jurisdiction who have indicated the Adaptation option as their preferred method of meeting the Irish Language requirement is 315.
