Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

320. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she plans on introducing changes to the Irish-language requirements for PME courses to allow access to increased numbers and in turn more teachers to deal with current shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40331/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Education sets the minimum entry requirements for Irish, English and Mathematics for entry to primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Programmes. This was signalled in the National Strategy on Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life (2011) and is to ensure that primary teachers have the capacity to lead learning in these particular subjects, which are considered as core curricular areas and particularly important in terms of supporting the development of literacy and numeracy amongst students in schools. 

As the first official language in Ireland, and for fundamental cultural and historical reasons which are inextricably linked to Irish identity, the study of the Irish language is a key aspect of the learning experiences that are considered appropriate for students in recognised schools in Ireland.  

The standard of Irish required, which must be demonstrated when applying for primary ITE programmes, is to ensure that student teachers have the necessary level of Irish to enable them to teach the Gaeilge primary curriculum. 

All prospective applicants for the primary PME programmes must either:

(a)  Achieve 65% or higher on the oral component of the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) Meánleibhéal 1 (B1) Irish examination, or

(b) Currently hold a valid certificate in either TEG Meánleibhéal 2 (B2) or Ardleibhéal (C1) Irish examination, having achieved a pass grade or higher.

While there are currently no plans to make changes to the Irish-language requirements, my Department keeps entry standards on ITE courses under continuous review.