Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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188. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider giving student teachers a grant to cover the cost of supplying materials for class use by pupils while on their placements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56043/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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School placement is a central feature of initial teacher education (ITE), where student teachers are welcomed and supported by tutors from higher education institutions (HEIs), school principals, class teachers and the school community. Student teachers must successfully complete this element of the programme, which provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their identity as teachers, to develop and to become socialised into the profession. It is underpinned by a shared professional understanding that collaborative engagement with school placement provides professional learning opportunities for all involved.

There are no plans, at present, to introduce a grant for student teachers while on school placement as this element is viewed as training rather than employment, the principal aim and function of teaching practice being:

1) to help the student teacher develop practical skills through observing and reflecting on the professional teacher working with pupils in the classroom and

2) with support and supervision, to enable them to bring together the theoretical and practical elements of the course work with the aim of acquiring practical skills in classroom management, curriculum planning, and the organisation of pupils learning activities.

As school placement is a mandatory element of ITE programmes, state grants such as SUSI continue to be paid during school placement periods. For further information on financial supports available to students, please see .