HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 cc644-5W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors preclude the curriculum studies and the education studies modules of the Irish-medium BEd course from being taught entirely through the medium of Irish; and what measures(a) St. Mary's college, Belfast and (b) the Department of Education for Northern Ireland are taking to increase the amount of teaching through the medium of Irish. [19697]

Mr. Ancram

Students are equipped to teach in both Irish and English medium schools with St. Mary's college building on the skills of its existing staff to increase the amount of teaching through the medium of Irish. The extent of such teaching is a matter for the college to determine within the resources available.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the role of the Irish-medium development officer in relation to each of the stage 1 modules of the Irish-medium BEd course and the PGCE course at St. Mary's college, Belfast, with particular reference to staff at the college. [19692]

Mr. Ancram

It is to develop the BEd modules and the PGCE course for Irish medium education in liaison with the relevant college staff.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the stage 1 main subject modules of the Irish-medium BEd course at the St. Mary's college, Belfast were last redesigned. [19693]

Mr. Ancram

In 1996.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the new Irish-medium PGCE course at St. Mary's college, Belfast is designed to cater for the specific needs of Irish-medium schools; and for what reasons the whole course will not be taught entirely through the medium of Irish. [19696]

Mr. Ancram

The figure is 100 per cent.

Students are being equipped to teach in both Irish medium and English medium schools.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of each of the stage 1 modules of the new Irish-medium BED course at St. Mary's college, Belfast caters for the needs of Irish-medium schools; and if he will make a statement. [19698]

Mr. Ancram

The figure is 100 per cent. of each.

The course is being developed to provide teachers for Irish medium schools.