John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 267: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a course (details supplied) for teachers; her views on concerns of some that the course will have or has potential to produce a limitless number of teachers; if her attention has been drawn to such concerns; and if any amendments will be made in the regulations to allay concerns. [21450/05]

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

The course referred to by the Deputy is run by a privately-owned institution providing a privately-run course that has been accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, HETAC. My Department has no role in regulating the number of students enrolled on any course run by any privately-owned college and, therefore, has no role in this case.

In order for the course to secure HETAC accreditation, the college complied with HETAC's quality assurance and validation requirements. The graduate diploma conferred at the end of this course is recognised by my Department for the purposes of primary teaching. My Department's inspectorate has a role in monitoring 10% of the final teaching practice students from the college in question, as is the case for the students of the five colleges of education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.