Written answers

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Teacher Training

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if this matter will be reviewed in view of the proposal in the submission that the school in conjunction with university can confidently deliver the vision of the report; if so, the mechanism to be used and the period involved regarding such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49473/12]

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the retention of home economics teaching education at a campus (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will provide this campus and NUI Galway an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to fulfil the vision of the Initial Teacher Education report in the most cost effective manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49792/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 284 together.

I have accepted the recommendations set out in a report commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on the structures of initial teacher education. The purpose of the report, which I requested, was to identify new possible structures to improve initial teacher education in Ireland so that it is comparable with the best in the world.

The international panel of education experts recommended that teacher education be provided in six "centres for teacher education". Currently there are 19 state funded providers of ITE (and three non-state funded) offering more than 40 college programmes in primary and post-primary teaching. The new collaborations recommended by the international panel will mean that a smaller number of centres for ITE exist, but that they offer education across multiple sectors from early childhood to primary, to post primary to adult education. These centres for teacher education will also possess a critical mass in terms of research capacity which is not always possible in smaller institutions. The new configurations will mean strong research bases can be created in each centre.

The HEA has been requested to consult with the relevant parties and to prepare a detailed plan on how to implement the recommendations of the Panel. I understand that this process has started and a plan is expected by the end of the year. I will fully consider the implementation plan from the HEA when received.

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