HC Deb 27 June 1988 vol 136 cc92-3W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will seek to establish a co-operation scheme with the Republic of Ireland for the cross-border exchange of Irish medium teachers for short periods during the school year.

Dr. Mawhinney

[holding answer 21 June 1988]: We have no current plans to do so, but under existing reciprocal in-services arrangements, Northern Ireland teachers are able to attend Irish language courses in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make available a copy of the Ministry of Education circular which declared the Irish textbook "Cosan an Oir" unsuitable for school use.

Dr. Mawhinney

[holding answer 21 June 1988]The Department of Education has not issued such a circular.

Mr. McCrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many of the students who applied to study Irish/Celtic as part of the degree—bachelor of education course in 1985–86 were accepted;

(2) how many students applied to study Irish/Celtic as part of a bachelor of education course in 1985–86.

Dr. Mawhinney

[holding answer 21 June 1988]: There were 57 applicants of whom 12 were accepted.