Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the overview he has given on education.

On the proposed four-year primary teacher training course, I have spoken to some students who are looking forward to it. However, this means there will be a gap in a particular year when no students will emerge from the teacher training colleges. If I recall correctly, this happened previously when the teacher training course was lengthened from two to three years. Certain issues arose and teachers who wished to retire were persuaded to stay on for another year. Has the Minister thought this through in the context of the teacher training courses at Hibernia College and whether there might be more students on such courses? As I understand it, the Department of Education and Skills is aware of how many primary school teachers emerge from the colleges each year. Consequently, it is possible to control the numbers, unlike, for example, second level teacher training. Has the Minister given consideration to what might be done if there is a shortage of teachers? This certainly happened in the past when we moved from a two to a three year course. However, my understanding is that students are looking forward to the extended course.

The Minister has also mentioned the number of teacher training centres which he is talking about reducing. What is the final figure? Can he give members further information in that regard?