Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware of difficulties being experienced by students of post-primary teaching qualification courses in finding suitable work experience places for 2017 given that it is now a two-year course; the role his Department can play in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16875/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Teaching Council is the statutory body that reviews and accredits programmes of initial teacher education. The school placement experience is integral to all initial teacher education programmes and is governed by the Council's accreditation criteria, published in June 2011 (Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers) which must be adhered to by all providers of initial teacher education providers.

An extended and enhanced school placement component is a particular feature of all programmes of initial teacher education. The new placement process is based on the development of a partnership approach between Higher Education Institutions and schools. Much progress has been made towards the development of that partnership approach. Based on engagement with the Higher Education Authority, the Teaching Council has identified the need for a forum that includes all HEIs providing programmes of ITE in Ireland, and a clear, time bound commitment to agreeing practical measures, including a national IT-based system, that will enhance the school placement experience for all parties to the process, and facilitate access by students to opportunities for same. I understand that the HEA and the Council will meet shortly to progress this matter.