Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the FÁS work placement programme for teachers announced by her, if it is possible for teachers who use this scheme to gain the relevant experience required for the Dip qualification; if she will encourage trainee teachers to apply to Dip programmes ahead of the deadline of 14 January 2011 on the assumption that the work placement programme will be of aid to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47862/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In the event that newly qualified primary teachers in a placement under the FÁS Work Placement Programme can meet the conditions associated with the operation of the primary probationary process, as outlined in circular 58/2010, there will be nothing to preclude them from applying to be probated.

I do not intend to encourage students to apply to undertake the Higher Diploma in Education study based solely on the ongoing provision of the Work Placement Programme. The provision of teaching placements under the scheme is at the discretion of individual boards of management and, as such, I cannot guarantee that placements would be available for all teaching graduates. However, I would encourage both schools and individuals to participate in the programme. There is a real opportunity for schools to benefit from people with a diverse range of skills and for people who are out of work to develop skills and broaden their experience.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 23 November 2010, when information will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47871/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by FÁS. It is a complex exercise and, therefore, the information requested is not easily available. I will reply to the Deputy as soon as I have the figures requested to hand.