Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of students at training colleges here and participating in Hibernian College's programme for primary teacher qualifications; the number that graduated each year since 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41456/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The demand for primary teachers is influenced by a number of factors including: the application of the agreed staffing schedule; demographic trends; the number of teachers opting to take career breaks or to retire; the number of secondments approved, and so on. The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually taking into account these factors as well as available resources.

There are currently 3,769 students participating in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to become primary school teachers in the State Funded Colleges of Education. Hibernia College have indicated that approximately 1,050 students, from three separate course intakes, are currently registered on the Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education. The graduate numbers from the State funded Colleges of Education and Hibernia College are shown in the table.