Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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302. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if for current B.Ed students completing their four year degree course in 2016-2017 whether or not their diploma will be included in their degree; and if not the reason for same in view of the number of weeks they spend teaching as part of the current course. [31354/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The school placement experience is part of a teacher's training. It is integral to all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. The recently extended duration of the placement in the reconfigured Bachelor of Education programmes allows for the development of a more reflective, enquiry-oriented approach to the school placement and facilitates the development of the teacher as reflective practitioner. The induction/probation period, formerly known as the Dip year, between graduation and full independent practice as a teacher is a vital stage of the newly qualified teacher's career. During this phase the newly qualified teacher's development as a practising professional is facilitated by coherent and supportive induction and probation processes specified by the Teaching Council, which all teachers must successfully complete to achieve full registration. The Teaching Council works closely with my Department to ensure appropriate supports for newly qualified teachers are in place and the Department funds the national induction programme for teachers, NIPT. The Teaching Council has statutory responsibility in relation to both initial teacher education and for procedures for induction and probation. I support the Teaching Council's approach to these areas, and the arrangements in place.