Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a final reply will issue further to her interim reply (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24113/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Deputy is aware that the Teaching Council have been asked to examine and advise on entry requirements to courses of initial teacher education including the Gaeltacht entry scheme to the Bachelor of Education. As you know, it is proposed in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language that up to 20% of places in Colleges of Education will be retained for students educated through Irish in Gaeltacht schools and gaelscoileanna, with students in English medium schools also being eligible, subject to a high performance threshold in Irish in the Leaving Certificate.

I understand that the Teaching Council's research report in relation to entry requirements is currently being finalised and it is due to be considered by Council in the autumn, prior to submitting advice to me. As the research relates to a broad spectrum of entry requirements, and it may take some time for the Council to deliberate on same, I have asked the Council to prioritise the area of entry requirements for Gaeltacht applicants, and I understand that it intends to submit its advice separately on that matter. I expect to receive it in the coming months and following its consideration, I will then take a decision on the matter.