Written answer
Teacher Training
1105. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the financial supports available for graduates undertaking private professional master of education programmes in teacher shortage subjects, particularly Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59016/26]
Comment on this
This Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.
A range of measureswereintroduced to support schools in their recruitment efforts. One such measure was the Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme.The Department published Circular 0069/2024 PME Fee Refund Scheme in September 2024, which provided the eligibility criteria and application process for the scheme.
Over 1,800 applications were received with over 1,500 teachers paid for teaching service during the 2024/25 school year, demonstrating that there was wide awareness of the scheme.
Following an assessment of its effectiveness, it has been decided that the scheme will not be extended. The scheme has now closed, and no further applications are being accepted.
In terms of Irish, the Policy for IME commits to providing supports for the establishment of a Professional Master of Education (PME) through the medium of Irish for primary teachers.
A new PME through the medium of Irish is now available for primary teachers in Marino Institute of Education, with support from the department under the policy. Two teachers on secondment are being provided, as well as bursaries for students.
This work builds on actions already being taken by the department under the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. Under this policy, funding is provided for an Irish-medium Baitsiléir san Oideachas (B.Oid.) for primary teachers, currently being delivered by Marino Institute of Education, and for a Máistir san Oideachas (M.Oid.) for practising teachers and school leaders, currently being delivered by Trinity College Dublin.
University of Galway and University College Cork have been granted approval to seek accreditation from the Teaching Council for Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (MGO) programmes for primary teachers through Irish.Both programmes are currently undergoing the Teaching Council accreditation process.