One-quarter of all teacher-training places could be reserved for male students to combat the increasing feminisation of the profession, according to new proposals seen by The Irish Times.
The controversial move, currently being considered by a Government committee set up to advise Minister for Education Mary Hanafin on how to attract more men into primary teaching, would see "positive discrimination" for male entrants.
This would be achieved through the establishment of quotas for male entrants, with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) suggesting that 25 per cent of all places be set aside in this way.
While the plans do not represent official INTO policy, it says a recent survey on its website indicated 75 per cent of teachers supported the idea.
Under the plans males would be required to meet minimum entry standards. This would serve to address concerns about any possible lowering of standards.
It is thought that reserving 25 per cent of places for men could increase the number of male primary teacher-training students by 500.
Some 90 per cent of students in training for primary teaching are currently female, while more than 85 per cent of new members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) are female.
However, it is understood that differences remain within the committee as to how best increase the number of male teachers.
The group, comprising representatives of the colleges of education, the INTO and Department of Education officials, was due to finish its deliberations last week. However it failed to reach a final decision on its recommendations amid opposition from the department to the idea of reserving a percentage of places for males.
This is understood to centre around the argument that males are not a disadvantaged group and the legal implications of a such a move. It might leave the State open to legal action by females who failed to get a place.
The committee, which will meet again this month, is also examining other proposals. These include a publicity campaign in schools to outline the opportunities which a teaching career offers. It would also highlight the salary scale for primary teachers.