Graduates seeking to become primary teachers can train using the Internet after the Minister for Education and Science, Mr Dempsey, approved Ireland's first online graduate diploma course in primary education.
The online course was developed by Hibernia College, Ireland's first online third-level college, and is fully accredited by HETAC the Higher Education and Training Awards Council.
The 18-month programme is a mix of online content, live tutorials and face-to-face classes in selected centres throughout the State, according to Hibernian College.
It will provide the same required academic coursework, teaching practice, in-school inspections and examinations provided in all other teacher-training colleges while allowing students the flexibility to study without moving to a college or giving up a job.
"Because of the large numbers of candidates requesting this diploma we feel that the Hibernia College offering will help alleviate the shortage of teachers," said Dr Sean Rowland, who is executive chairman of Hibernia College.
"If Ireland is to become a leader in the global, knowledge-based economy, we must educate and train greater numbers of teachers by providing easy access to continuing education," he said.
