David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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324. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the estimated cost of paying 80% of the entry level rate to student teachers on placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24520/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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School Placement is a critical part of initial teacher education (ITE) as it enables the student teacher to experience teaching and learning in a variety of contexts, and to participate in school life in a way that is structured and supported.

As you are aware, the Teaching Council is the statutory body that sets and upholds the standards for entry to the profession and reviews and accredits programmes of teacher education and training provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the State. Based on existing good practice, the Teaching Council prepared and published School Placement Guidelines in partnership with stakeholders in 2013.

The Teaching Council has determined that 25% (30 weeks) of student time over the four years of undergraduate programmes and 40% (24 weeks) of student time over the two years of postgraduate programmes should be allocated to school placement.

The estimated cost of paying 80% of the entry level rate to student teachers on placement is approximately €50 million.