Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 315: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a syllabus is available for the SCG examination and the place this can be obtained in the context of teachers working in primary schools who have been trained abroad; if an extension to the five year term in which to gain the Irish qualification is available; if persons have applied for this time extension; when a response to these such applications will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23403/04]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A working group to review all aspects of the syllabus and examination for the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge was established in 2001. A copy of their report has been published on my Department's website, as has an updated language syllabus for the SCG. Hard copies of the report and of the syllabus will also be available shortly and will be distributed to all Primary Schools, Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge, SCG, candidates, Colleges of Education and relevant Department personnel.

My predecessor, announced changes in the structure of the Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge in April of this year. Pursuant to that announcement it was decided that a two-year extension to their period of provisional recognition would be granted to all teachers who held provisional recognition prior to 1 September 2004. In the case of those whose period of provisional recognition lapsed prior to that date, their two-year extension commences on 1 September 2004. A notice setting out this position is published on my Department's website.

As this is a blanket extension applying to all teachers who held provisional recognition before 1 September 2004 it is not necessary for teachers to make individual applications. However, letters received from a number of teachers enquiring about their extensions have been replied to setting out the new arrangements.

My Department is currently engaged in finalising other new arrangements relating to the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge. Once finalised, details of these new arrangements will be notified to all primary schools by way of circular letter.