Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

475. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an issue (details supplied) in relation to the Irish language requirement for the Teaching Council of Ireland will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1130/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I believe that the Deputy is referring to the Cáilíocht sa Ghaeilge programme (SCG and OCG), which is run by Marino Institute of Education (MIE). 

This programme allows students who have completed their qualifications outside of Ireland fulfil their condition in relation to Irish in order to register as a Primary teacher.  MIE have been liaising with both the Teaching Council and the Department in relation to the SCG/OCG and the issue of completion of the Irish Language Requirement. 

The Department, the Teaching Council and stakeholders, including the relevant Higher Education Institutions, have agreed contingency arrangements for the operation of the Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht in the current academic year i.e. where student teachers cannot attend the Gaeltacht during this academic year, in accordance with public health advice and Government guidelines, and on an exceptional basis only, they can complete the requirement in an online learning environment in 2020/2021.  These contingency arrangements also apply to the SCG and OCG in MIE.

MIE are currently liaising with the providers of the Tréimshe for this programme regarding the provision of an on-line programme for the SCG/OCG and it is expected that the SCG/OCG Gaeltacht providers will advertise these online courses shortly.  It is also expected that this will allow all teachers who are currently waiting to complete the Gaeltacht Learning Period of the SCG/OCG programme in order to fulfil this condition for registration with the Teaching Council.