Irish test for teachers made easier

Rules governing the controversial Irish language qualification for primary teachers are to be relaxed, in a move which should make it easier for teachers from outside the Republic to enter the profession.

The decision, announced by the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, yesterday, came after the contract of one Donegal teacher was not renewed last year. The teacher, who was from Northern Ireland, had failed the Scrúdú Cailíochta sa Ghaeilge. The exam has been criticised as being too harsh for students.

Over 400 students are due to sit the exam compared to just 33 in 1992. This reflects the demand for teachers trained outside the Republic to work in the system here. Students have five years to get the exam but under the new arrangements all existing candidates will receive a two-year extension.

In addition the marking system is being changed. The overall pass mark will be reduced from 50 to 40 per cent.

Teachers who pass the exam will be able to teach in English-medium schools. A 70 per cent mark will still be required for those working in Irish language schools.

An action group set up to lobby for change had complained that the exam had no set course and contained few practical elements.

Yesterday, the Minister announced that a language syllabus and an exam handbook with sample questions and answers would shortly appear in book form. A literature textbook is also in preparation.

From next year, the written exam will be complemented by assessments of classroom practice.

Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio, which will be assessed for the cultural part of the paper.

Last night, INTO general secretary, Mr John Carr, said the union would be seeking additional pay for any in-service work undertaken outside school hours.

Primary schools are obliged to teach students for 183 days but the Department is concerned about the so called "erosion of the school year" as teachers leave classrooms to attend in-service training.