Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the standard entry requirements regarding Irish will brought into line with other subjects as they apply to teacher training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39527/05]

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

My Department specifies the minimum academic requirements for entry to primary teacher training courses provided in the colleges of education. As part of these requirements all candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates, must have secured a minimum of a grade C in higher level Irish in the leaving certificate or an approved equivalent. This requirement covers both the written and oral element of a student's proficiency in Irish.

My Department considers this required entry level to be the minimum standard in Irish necessary for students entering a teacher training course, which will equip them to teach Irish to pupils at all levels in primary schools. I have no plans to change the entry requirements to primary teacher training courses at present.