100 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the predicament faced by long-term temporary and substitute teachers in primary schools; if he will consider introducing a formal education conversion course for this small group; and if he will introduce a specific entitlement to pay increments, holiday and sick pay. [12276/01]

At present there are no proposals to provide conversion courses designed for long-term temporary and substitute teachers in primary schools who are untrained and do not possess a basic degree.

As a response to a shortage in the supply of primary teachers, my Department requested the colleges of education to provide post-graduate courses to enable degree holders train as primary teachers. The duration of the post-graduate full-time course is 18 months. These courses were provided in the 1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 academic years. Another course commenced in February of this year and negotiations are taking place with the Colleges of Education to provide a further course next year. Persons who hold a primary degree may apply for admission to this post-graduate course.