Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 520: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline the level of financial support given, by the State, either directly or indirectly, to each of the teacher training colleges here over the past five years in tabular format; the ethos of each of these respective training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23308/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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St. Patrick's College, Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire Marino were established as Catholic Colleges of Education. However, they each now have links with third level colleges and accept students of all faiths and none. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate examination. Religious affiliation is not used by any of the Catholic Colleges of Education as an entry requirement.

The situation with the Church of Ireland College of Education is somewhat different as its remit is to provide an adequate supply of primary teachers capable of upholding and maintaining the distinctive ethos and spirit of Protestant national schools. Entry is based on points achieved in the Leaving Certificate Examination and appropriate numbers of places on the Bachelor of Education Degree programme are reserved for students who are members of recognised Churches in the Protestant tradition. Remaining available places can be made available to other candidates.