Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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839.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of full State funding for the mandatory 'Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht' for all student teachers, including in public and private colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33145/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.

Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints.

The grant is €815 for students outside the Gaeltacht. This will cover the cost of undertaking the fortnightly course and is made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.

My Department provides funding for in the region of 2,900 students annually giving an estimated annual cost of €2.36m.