Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding students graduating from St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 in 2010 as well as other teacher training colleges; if the option of postgraduate studies will be available to them to continue and complete their studies in their chosen college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17761/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The five Colleges of Education offer a three-year course for school-leavers and mature students which is the main path for entry to primary teaching. Students attending St Patrick's College Drumcondra and Mary Immaculate College Limerick are awarded an honours level 8 Bachelor of Education degree at the end of three years. Students attending the other three Colleges of Education are awarded a Bachelor of Education degree at ordinary level (level 7) at the end of three years, but suitably qualified students who wish to read for an honours degree (level 8) may register for a fourth year of study. This additional year may be undertaken at any time after completion of the Bachelor of Education degree, and students may hold teaching posts while continuing their studies.

Persons who successfully complete the Bachelor of Education are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council and, once registered, will be deemed qualified to teach in the country's primary schools. No further course of study is required for recognition as a primary teacher.

Four of the Colleges of Education also offer an 18-month post graduate primary teacher education course for holders of suitable university degrees. Graduates from St Patrick's College and Mary Immaculate College are awarded a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching) and graduates from Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire, MIE are awarded a Higher Diploma in Education (Primary). The post graduate course was introduced as a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers. It was first provided in the 1995/96 academic year and has been repeated almost each year since then. The latest course commenced in February 2010 with a total approved intake of 200 students.

Persons who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching)/ Higher Diploma in Education (Primary) are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council and, once registered, will be deemed qualified to teach in the country's primary schools.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 387: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the level of funding from her Department for postgraduate teacher training courses in 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17762/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Four of the Colleges of Education offer an 18-month post graduate primary teacher education course for holders of suitable university degrees. The courses offered by Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire, MIE are funded by my Department via capitation grants and the level of funding provided was as follows;

2008 €1,928,352

2009 €1,834,484

Estimated 2010 €900,370.

The estimated figure for 2010 reflects the reduced number of places to be made available this year. St Patrick's College and Mary Immaculate College are funded by the HEA as are the institutions providing post primary teaching post graduate courses. The information regarding funding allocated by the HEA for these courses has been requested and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.