Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1550: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that every year teachers training students undergo placement for at least six weeks and they are assessed on every aspect of the profession including the quality of the resources, suitability of clothing resulting in an anomaly where the students with most resources may get the highest marks, she will be prepared to accept the proposals of the Union of Students in Ireland to introduce a subsidy provision for travelling expenses and other learning aids which are recommended in the new curriculum amounting to €66.63 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1601/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that teaching practice is an integral part of the curriculum for the training of both primary and post-primary teachers and, as such, my Department does not provide special financial assistance for students towards costs associated with teaching practice.

The Deputy will be aware that teacher education programmes provided in approved third level institutions are, however, approved courses for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant holders who are required to participate in off-campus placement as part of their course of study may have their grant entitlement paid in the normal manner. Accordingly, student teachers who are eligible for grant assistance continue to receive their entitlements while undertaking teaching practice.

In addition, my Department allocates funding each year to third level institutions under the Student Assistance Fund. This fund is available in order to assist students who may be experiencing difficulties in continuing their studies because of financial hardship. The disbursement of this funding is a matter for individual institutions in line with guidelines issued by my Department.

I am satisfied that student teachers on teaching practice placements in schools are assessed on the quality of their work.

My Department has no plans to introduce an additional scheme of financial assistance, over and above the current provision, in relation to the training of teachers.