Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

855. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a response will issue regarding a proposal from University College Cork (details supplied); for a timeline when the Department’s decision on the application can be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59664/25]

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

There has been ongoing engagement between Department officials and University College Cork (UCC) and following a meeting this summer the Department received an official request from UCC seeking approval to introduce a primary PME programme. This request is still under consideration with due regard being given to, inter alia, available data on primary teacher supply needs in coming years.

Each year, the number of students admitted to primary Bachelor of Education and PME programmes in state-funded Higher Education Institutes is determined by my Department, having regard to teacher supply and demand issues, and available resources, noting that additional places have a direct cost implication for the Department.

When considering newly proposed programmes, this Department would favour new programmes being introduced in areas where there is an identified national need and giving due regard to prevailing teacher supply and demand.

Once the assessment of the request has been finalised, and subject to any further engagement or clarification, a decision will be issued to UCC.