542. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if professional master of education pathways are currently available to graduates of the BA home economics programme at St Angela's College; and if she will provide details of the number of available places on such programmes. [64929/26]

Each Higher Education Institution (HEI) providing Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes is responsible for the organisation of these programmes including the operation of the application processes for entry. ITE programmes are available to anyone wishing to undertake them, providing they meet the entry requirements for their preferred programme.

My Department has no role in approving the number of places for post-primary ITE programmes in higher education institutions and does not have data for the number of places available.

There are course details including information on progression available for the programme referred to in the question, the Bachelor of Arts Home Economics, on the Atlantic Technological University website at the following link: www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-arts-honours-home-economics

The standards for ITE in Ireland are set out in the Teaching Council's policy: www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2023/08/ceim-standards-for-initial-teacher-education.pdf

All teacher education programmes in Ireland must be aligned with Céim to gain professional accreditation with the Teaching Council.

The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2025: www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2025/10/SI.2025.0482_TC_Registration_Regulations.pdf

As a statutory body, the Teaching Council is mandated by law to properly determine and to authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration.