Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 474: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that a person who wishes to begin primary teacher training upon completion of secondary school has no option available to them here but to attend a Catholic or Church of Ireland training college; if this violates the rights of teachers not of these faiths; her plans to establish non-denominational primary teacher training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32311/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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St. Patrick's College, Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire Marino were established as denominational training colleges. However, they each now have links with third level colleges (DCU, UL and TCD respectively) and accept students of all faiths and none. Religious affiliation is not used by any of the Catholic Colleges of Education as an entry requirement.

The Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, was established to provide an adequate supply of primary teachers capable of upholding and maintaining the distinctive ethos and spirit of Protestant national schools. Appropriate numbers of places on the B. Ed. Degree programme are reserved for students who are members of recognised Churches in the Protestant tradition. Remaining available places are made available to other candidates.

Hibernia College is now a major provider of primary teacher training and has no religious affiliation.

The Department has no intention of establishing a new teacher training college. However, following a request from Educate Together, a working group was formed earlier this year to explore the issue of teacher education in the context of the greater plurality of school patronage that now exists. The Department, the Colleges and Educate Together are members of the group.

It has emerged in the work of the group that the content of primary teacher education is inclusive and broad and teaches recognition and respect for all faiths and backgrounds and the valuing of diversity. The 'Learn Together' ethical education curriculum provided in Educate Together schools is also frequently specifically addressed. The focus of the religious education modules is largely on methodology to enable teachers to teach this area of the curriculum confidently and competently.

Separate to the above, Colleges may also offer undergraduates an optional 'Certificate in Religious Studies' particular to the denominational nature of the particular college. The working group continues to examine this issue.