St. Patrick's College, Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire Marino were established as Catholic Colleges of Education. However, they each now have links with third level colleges and accept students of all faiths and none. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate examination. Religious affiliation is not used by any of the Catholic Colleges of Education as an entry requirement.
The situation with the Church of Ireland College of Education is somewhat different as its remit is to provide an adequate supply of primary teachers capable of upholding and maintaining the distinctive ethos and spirit of Protestant national schools. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate Examination and appropriate numbers of places on the Bachelor of Education Degree programme are reserved for students who are members of recognised Churches in the Protestant tradition. Remaining available places can be made available to other candidates.
Hibernia College does not receive state funding. It has no religious affiliation. The following table outlines funding to the Colleges over the past five years.
Funding — Colleges of Education
College
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010 to date
|
Froebel College
|
2,862,988
|
2,942,498
|
3,335,251
|
3,023,897
|
533,325
|
Coláiste Mhuire, MIE
|
4,148,408
|
4,159,376
|
4,932,172
|
4,742,393
|
839,091
|
CICE
|
1,867,366
|
2,481,349
|
2,912,191
|
2,528,259
|
899,519
|
St Patrick’s College
|
13,019,687
|
16,448,667
|
17,309,339
|
16,211,804
|
13,479,638*
|
Mary Immaculate College
|
14,858,394
|
18,890,674
|
20,292,671
|
19,189,140
|
16,214,453*
|
*Provisional figures from HEA.